Beiersdorf, the German maker of Nivea hand cream and Tesa sticky tape, has reported a strong increase in profits last year and forecasted further growth in 2014.
The group said in a statement on Tuesday its net profit jumped almost a fifth or 19.6 per cent to 543 million euros ($A839.47 million) in 2013.
Underlying or operating profit was up 17.5 per cent at 820 million euros while sales rose by 1.7 per cent to 6.141 billion euros.
"2013 was an important and successful year for Beiersdorf. The group has made gains in market share, increased sales and improved its earnings. Beiersdorf is back on a sustainable growth track," said chief executive Stefan Heidenreich.
Looking ahead to the current year, Beiersdorf said it expects to deliver sales growth of 4.0-6.0 per cent in 2014 and improve its operating margin.
