4th Oct 2007 07:00
Meldex International PLC04 October 2007 For Immediate Release 4 October 2007 Meldex International plc SlimThru(TM) existing distribution expanded and to be sold in Tesco stores London, UK, 4 October 2007: Meldex International plc (AIM: MDX) the specialtypharma and healthcare company, announces that the SlimThru(TM) brand, its marketleading over the counter (OTC) weight management product will be distributedmore widely throughout the UK and will now be available in Tesco stores, theUK's largest retailer from mid November 2007. The last few months have seen steady progress with the distribution base forSlimThru(TM). Listings have now been confirmed at Lloyds and AAH, to build onexisting contracts with Alliance Unichem, Tree of Life and The Healthstore.Boots (the UK's biggest health and beauty retailer) have also extendeddistribution. Tesco have agreed distribution arrangements to commence in October. This willalso include their prestigious "Tesco's Extra" superstores. SlimThru(TM) has been promoted and sold in Boots stores across the UK sinceSpring 2007 and sales have grown strongly. From mid October additional ranges ofSlimThru(TM) including SlimThru(TM) 12's and SlimThru(TM) 30's will be availablein approximately 1200 Boots stores. SlimThru(TM) uses natural ingredients and is positioned as a weight maintenanceproduct, avoiding the problems associated with rapid weight loss and subsequentgain associated with traditional appetite suppressant and weight loss products. Klaus Kuhne, Managing Director of Meldex's OTC Division, said: "Following our very successful launch of SlimThru(TM) in several EuropeanCountries, and its strong growth in the UK market since launch, we are extremelypleased to be increasing the profile of SlimThru(TM) and its market scope insuch a competitive retail environment." Richard Trevillion, Chief Executive, Meldex International, said: "I am delighted to have established a relationship with Tesco, the UK's largestsupermarket chain, for one of our leading core OTC products. This developmentillustrates the potential of our OTC approach and opens the possibility toextend this and other relationships to other Group products with demonstrableconsumer and patient benefits." - ENDS - For further information: Meldex International Plc + 44 (0) 20 7098 9881 Richard Trevillion, CEO Steve Martin, CDO Hiral Patel, CFO Buchanan Communications + 44 (0) 20 7466 5000 Rebecca Skye Dietrich Mark Court About Meldex International Plc Meldex International plc is an innovative specialty pharmaceutical and OTCproduct company. Listed on London's AIM in May 2003, the Company has over 80patents granted or in application within 24 patent families and has productdevelopment agreements and strategic alliances with several global healthcarecompanies. Meldex has acquired sales and marketing resources within Europe andthe US as a launch mechanism for its own products. Meldex acquired the Melbrosinbusiness in June 2007 for a consideration of up to €35m. Melbrosin's focus is onconsumer over the counter health care products based on substances of naturaland plant origin, which are developed into consumer orientated brands thenscaled, produced and distributed by Melbrosin. The Melbrosin complements theprescription pharmaceutical sales and marketing business Dexo created andexpanded in 2006. The business continues to develop innovative delivery mechanisms enhancing bothits own product range and those of selected partners using its proprietary XGEL(TM)polymer technology. For further information please go towww.meldexinternational.com About SlimThru(TM) SlimThru(TM), marketed as 'SlimCup(TM)' elsewhere in Europe, has been launchedsuccessfully by Melbrosin in the German, Austrian, UK and Italian markets withsales over €2 million in the first two months of 2007. The product uses naturalingredients and is positioned as a weight maintenance product, avoiding theproblems associated with rapid weight loss and subsequent gain (the 'yoyo'effect) associated with traditional appetite suppressant and weight lossproducts. SlimThru(TM) is therefore complementary with both existing marketprescription and other OTC slimming products. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Tesco