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Brussels (Belgium) - April 26, 2007, 1:00 pm CET - "2006 was a year of considerable achievement for UCB, underlining our ability to build global specialists brands such as Keppra® and consolidate the allergy franchise. The year also highlighted the quality of UCB's science, reflected by the significant progress that was made during the year in R&D. With the acquisition of Schwarz Pharma, we have further transformed UCB through broadening its drug portfolio and strengthening its pipeline, especially in neurology. We believe that we will be able to make even greater advances in the long run, financially, scientifically, and more importantly to the benefit of all our stakeholders, especially patients and their families, and our shareholders and employees.
The 2006 revenue increased by 8% to 2,523 million euros (11% on a like-for-like basis*), underpinned by net sales of 2,188 million euros. Profit from continuing operations amounted to 367 million euro, increasing by 14% on a like-for-like basis*. Sales of Keppra® were especially strong, growing by 36% to 761 million euros - the third successive year with an increasing growth rate. Our allergy franchise also exceeded expectations with sales of Xyzal® growing by 13%, and Zyrtec® growing by 15% in the USA.
UCB now has the key elements, including a rich pipeline and strong science combining biology and chemistry to become a next generation biopharma leader.
As I look ahead in the next five to ten years for the new UCB, I see three different phases for the company:
Our priorities for 2007 are well defined. The successful integration of Schwarz Pharma and the delivery on synergy targets are the foundation for our future success and are on track. We will further maximise Keppra®'s potential, meet our R&D milestones and prepare for new product launches such as Xyzal® in the USA in partnership with sanofi-aventis, and the Parkinson's patch Neupro®.
Since our 2006 results presentation on February 28, we have continued to make significant progress:
I shall close by drawing the attention of shareholders to the hard work and substantial capabilities of my UCB colleagues, and the healthy challenge and support of the Board of Directors. We are grateful to all the patients and their caregivers for their encouragement and for their candid and inspirational feedback. And obviously, we would like to thank you, our shareholders, for your trust and for sharing our enthusiasm in building UCB into a next generation biopharma leader".
* On a like-for-like basis, i.e. excluding acquisitions, divestments and exchange rates
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The Annual General Shareholders' Meeting has approved the payment of a gross dividend of 0.90 euro per share (net dividend of 0.675 euro per share) compared with 0.88 euro last year (net dividend of 0.66 euro per share). The dividend will be payable on Monday 30 April 2007.
The Annual General Shareholders' Meeting appointed Patrick Schwarz-Schuette as new member of the Board of Directors of UCB and re-elected Roch Doliveux and H.R.H. Prince Lorenz of Belgium.
Next year's Annual General Shareholders Meeting will be held on Thursday April 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Brussels (Belgium).
The financial results for the first semester 2007 will be announced on Thursday July 26, 2007.
About UCB
Headquartered in Brussels (Belgium), UCB (www.ucb-group.com) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology - UCB focuses on securing a leading position in severe disease categories. Employing 8500 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 2.5 billion euro in 2006. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange and owns 87.6% of Schwarz Pharma.
For further enquiries, please contact
Jean-Christophe Donck | Mareike Mohr |
Vice President, | Associate Director, Investor Relations |
Corporate Communications and Investor Relations | |
Tel. +32 2 559 9346 | Tel. +32 2 559 9264 |
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