Fresenius Medical sees 2013 profits slightly higher

FRANKFURT Feb 26 (Reuters) - Fresenius Medical Care , the world's largest dialysis provider, expects 2013 net income after minorities will rise only slightly this year as lawmakers in the United States, its most important market, plan to take austerity measures.

Net income attributable to shareholders is estimated at between $1.1-$1.2 billion, a growth of 5-15 percent over last year's level when excluding a $140 million one-off investment gain booked in 2012.

According to a Reuters poll of 11 banks and brokerages, market consensus was looking for net profit of $1.21 billion this year.

The U.S. Congress, battling to rein in its budget deficit, will reduce funds for state-run health schemes like Medicare that account for about 30 percent of the German company's revenues.