Synthes posted higher six-month net earnings of $454.37 million compared with $424.59 million last year. Half-yearly earnings per share improved to €3.83 from €3.58 a year earlier.

Net sales increased to $1.97 billion from $1.80 billion in the comparable period.

First-half 2011 gross profit margin of 82.5% remained strong and was in-line with the previous year of 82.4%, as continued pricing pressures were mitigated by ongoing operational improvements, the company added.