13th Jul 2006 07:00
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc13 July 2006 Pre-close statement LONDON, 13 July 2006 - Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC ("Hikma") (LSE: HIK) (DIFX:HIK), the multinational pharmaceuticals group, will enter its close period onSaturday 15 July 2006 ahead of its interim results announcement for the sixmonths ending 30 June 2006, to be made on 13 September 2006. Since publishing its AGM trading statement on 25 May 2006, the Group hascontinued to perform well. On a segmental basis, we have seen a strong sales performance in the Brandedbusiness. As anticipated, the new Algerian reference pricing regime has had animpact on sales in Algeria in the first half, though this has been mostly offsetby a strong sales performance in other markets. We remain confident that we candeliver growth in Algeria on a full-year basis. This, combined with new productlaunches and increased penetration of new and existing markets, shouldaccelerate Branded sales growth in the second half of the year. In the Injectables business we are continuing to deliver substantial growth inthe US, Europe and the MENA region. We expect to maintain this growth throughthe second half of the year. In the Generics business, our most competitive market, we are generating highersales volumes in an environment of continued pricing pressure. In the secondhalf of the year, we expect new product launches to drive revenue growth for theyear as a whole. Overall, the Group remains on track to deliver strong growth for the full year. - ENDS - Enquiries: Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLCSusan Ringdal +44 20 7399 2760Investor Relations Director Brunswick GroupJon Coles / Justine McIlroy / Alex Tweed +44 20 7404 5959 About Hikma Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a multinational pharmaceutical group focused ondeveloping, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of both branded andnon-branded generic and in-licensed pharmaceutical products. Hikma's operationsare conducted through three businesses: Generic, Branded and InjectablePharmaceuticals. Hikma's operations are based principally in the United States,the Middle East and North Africa ("MENA") region and Europe. In 2005, the Grouphad revenue of $262 million and profit attributable to shareholders of $44million. At 31 December 2005, the Group had over 1,800 employees. For news andother information, please visit www.hikma.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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