Consumer goods group Reckitt Benckiser, the British maker of Finish dishwasher tablets, Nurofen painkillers and Cillit Bang cleaners, said like-for-like sales grew five per cent in the third quarter.

Underpinned by a strong performance in emerging markets and better trading in North America and Europe, the growth – ahead of the four per cent rate in the first half and better than the market expected – sent Reckitt’s shares to the highest level since the group was created when a merger took place nearly 13 years ago.

Chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor said the group had seen an “excellent” performance from emerging markets, besides an improved performance in Europe and North America.

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