UCB OBTAINS EUROPEAN ANTITRUST CLEARANCE FOR TAKE-OVER OF SCHWARZ PHARMA

Brussels, Belgium - November 21, 2006 - UCB announced that the EU Commission has cleared the proposed take-over of SCHWARZ PHARMA by UCB.

As announced on November 10, 2006, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has allowed the waiting period to expire without expressing any concerns.

Therefore, the take-over of SCHWARZ PHARMA by UCB can be pursued both from a European and U.S. antitrust perspective.

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB said, "These two clearances represent major steps forward in our take-over process of SCHWARZ PHARMA. Since the announcement on September 25, both companies have enjoyed further positive newsflow on developments in their exciting pipelines. This winning combination will create a next generation biopharmaceutical leader."

UCB announced the commencement of the acceptance period for the take-over of SCHWARZ PHARMA which is from November 10, 2006 until December 8, 2006, 24:00 hours (CET). To accept the offer, SCHWARZ PHARMA shareholders will have to instruct accordingly the bank that administers their securities account before the end of the acceptance period. On November 20, 2006, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of the SCHWARZ PHARMA AG recommended acceptance of the offer by UCB to the shareholders of SCHWARZ PHARMA AG. Additional information on the proposed take-over and the official offer document are available on the Internet at www.ucb-group.com

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 over 8,300 people in 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 2.3 billion euro in 2005. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange.

About Schwarz Pharma

Headquartered in Monheim (Germany), SCHWARZ PHARMA (www.schwarzpharma.com) is a stock listed company with approximately 4,400 employees worldwide. The company develops novel medicines in the therapeutic areas of the central nervous system. Furthermore it markets innovative drugs focused to treat cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal diseases. In 2005 the SCHWARZ PHARMA group achieved global sales of nearly € 1 billion. The company has a strong international presence with subsidiaries in Europe, USA and Asia.  Schwarz Pharma is listed on the Frankfurt and Duesseldorf Stock Exchange.  Enquiries, please contact Antje Witte (phone +49 2173 48 1866).

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance, or achievements of UCB or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The statements in this press release represent UCB's expectations and beliefs as of the date of this press release. UCB anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause these expectations and beliefs to change. However, while UCB may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing UCB's expectations or beliefs as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.