First stone in UCB’s new Swiss biotechnology production unit to be set

Brussels, Belgium, 4 May 2012 – 7.00 a.m. (CET) – The first stone in UCB’s new biotechnology production unit in Bulle (Switzerland) will be laid this afternoon at a ceremony attended by Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, Georges Godel, President of the Government of the Canton of Fribourg, Yves Menoud, Mayor of Bulle, Michele Antonelli, UCB EVP and MD, Chairman of the Board of UCB Farchim and Amer Jaber, Director of the UCB site in Bulle.

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, was keen to highlight the significance of this site in terms of the Group’s history, commenting that “the decision to add biotechnology manufacturing capability to its supply chain is significant for UCB, especially since this new plant – along with the Braine l’Alleud site in Belgium - is destined to become a strategic biotechnological production centre for the group. It will enable UCB to cover the growing product demand, including the creation of up to roughly 140 new jobs. The recruitment process for these positions is due to start in June 2012.”

The Bulle area was chosen for several reasons, including the high level of expertise and industrial performance of the existing production site and the fact that it will be part of a specialist environment for biotech, featuring many highly regarded research and educational establishments. The continuing support of the cantonal, municipal and economic development authorities was also instrumental in this choice.

“We are delighted that Bulle was chosen as the location for UCB’s new production unit. We have had an excellent working relationship with UCB for 15 years and are extremely happy that this is now set not only to continue but to expand. In the current climate, this announcement underscores the development of biotechnologies in Switzerland and enables the Canton of Fribourg to develop its skills in a high added value field,” explained Mr Georges Godel, President of the Council of State of the Canton of Fribourg.

The new biotechnology production unit

With an estimated total investment of up to €250 million, the new production unit will focus on producing UCB’s antibody-based drugs, including Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol), which treats the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It should ultimately lead to the creation of up to approximately 140 new jobs.

Occupying a surface area of around 20,000 m² over four floors, the architecture of the new buildings will be simple and innovative to ensure they fit seamlessly into their surroundings. Equipped with the very latest technologies, this unit will mainly house production zones (clean rooms), quality control laboratories, maintenance and storage units and offices.

For further information UCB

France Nivelle, Global Communications, UCB
T +32.2.559.9178, france.nivelle@ucb.com

Laurent Schots, Media Relations, UCB

T +32.2.559.9264, laurent.schots@ucb.com

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8 000 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).