UPDATE 2-Philips growth spurred by toothbrush demand in China - the electric toothbrush

* Philips sales rose 4% in the third quarter because of strong demand in China * core revenue growth of 12% to 0. 532 billion euros * The company said it is expected to achieve the target of 2017 (
Add CEO quote and more info)By Bart H.
Amsterdam Meyer, October 23Reuters)-
China's strong demand for electric toothbrushes has helped Philips, a Dutch healthcare technology company, grow its third-quarter sales by 4% and is expected to achieve full growth.
The company said on Monday its target for the year.
Philips spun off the lighting department last year, focusing on medical devices and healthcare products, setting a double
China has achieved double-digit growth, making up for flat sales in North America and a 6% drop in sales in Western Europe.
"We have a particularly strong quarter in China," chief executive Van Howton told reporters, noting the strong demand for electric toothbrushes and the emergence of the world's second-largest private healthcare --
The largest economy driving current and future growth.
"We are very optimistic about our opportunities in China," Van Houten said . ".
"Our toothbrushes continue to sell well, and the growth of private hospitals reduces the risk that the government favors domestic suppliers.
Philips's total sales are 4.
1 billion euros in July
Core profits increased by 12% to 0. 532 billion euros during September ($626 million)
Overall, sales growth slowed in the company's main departments, which sell consumer goods including toothbrushes
Terminal medical equipment such as scanners and imaging tools used in surgery.
The interconnected care and Informatics business that provides patient monitoring systems and software that hospitals use to collect and analyze data is a clear exception, with sales growing by 8% after the second quarter stalled.
Van Houten said the overall sales growth in the third quarter put Philips on the right path to achieve its annual goals.
"We have achieved an average growth of 4% this year and we believe that the fourth quarter will be stronger.
This will lift us comfortably to 4-
The target range of 6% is 2017.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax and amortization (EBITA)
The third quarter was in line with analysts' expectations, but sales growth was below 4.
The Reuters survey predicted 5%.
Philips shares fell 0. 3% at 35.
Gmt is 0812 euros. ($1 = 0. 8499 euros)(
Report by Bart major;
Editor of six must-stay Dwarakanath and Ralph Bolton)