Covidien raises its full-year revenue forecast

The Bermuda-based medical device maker and diversified health care company now anticipates 2008 sales growth between 8 percent and 11 percent, up from its prior forecast for growth of 6 percent to 9 percent.

Covidien reported revenue of $10.17 billion in 2007, which implies 2008 sales of $10.93 billion to $11.24 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect full-year revenue of $9.59 billion.

Covidien was spun off from parent company Tyco International Inc. last July.