Transactions

Aspen confirms that the European Commission has opened proceedings to investigate certain actions of Aspen Holdings and certain of its European subsidiaries. While Aspen is not currently in a position to comment on these proceedings, it reaffirms its commitment to fair and open competition in markets in the European Union and around the world. Aspen takes compliance with competition laws very seriously and will work constructively with the European Commission in its process. Shareholders are advised that any material developments in these proceedings will be communicated through SENS. Shareholders should exercise care when reacting to information on this matter which has not been released by Aspen Holdings.

Durban – Media reports that the Competition Commission has decided to take up the Democratic Alliance’s request to investigate the alleged anti-competitive conduct of Aspen Pharmacare (“Aspen”) in South Africa, in its preliminary investigation into the pharmaceutical sector, has reference. Aspen welcomes the process and the opportunity to categorically set aside such allegations of anti-competitive behavior.  Aspen is committed to full and constructive engagement with the Competition Commission should it wish to pursue such an investigation. It is worth noting that pharmaceutical prices are approved by the Department of Health in terms of the Single Exit Price regulatory framework which establishes a universal fixed price for each pharmaceutical product.  Aspen has not increased pricing of its products outside of this regulatory framework.

In reference to the articles reported in the European press on 14 and 15 April 2017, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (“Aspen”) has the following comments: Aspen has clearly demonstrated its commitment to providing quality medicines affordably over many years. The supply of the oncology products in question is no exception. Aspen’s status as a responsible and committed provider of quality, affordable medicines is further validated by the role it has played in saving millions of lives across Africa through pioneering and supplying generic anti-retroviral medicine in Africa for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The content of the reports concern matters that are sub-judice.  Out of respect for the integrity of ongoing legal processes with European regulators, as well as the court in Italy, Aspen will not comment on these public allegations.  Instead, Aspen looks forward to the opportunity to demonstrate the integrity and legality of its practices in the context of these legal processes.    

Port Elizabeth. JSE-listed Aspen, the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, earlier today hosted Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi at its Port Elizabeth-based flagship manufacturing site. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss Aspen’s economic growth and export contributions to South Africa, and to demonstrate its globally recognised specialized manufacturing technologies. Aspen is the leading supplier of medicines to the South African public and private sectors, with approximately 1 in 4 medicines dispensed in the public sector being an Aspen product. Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive, Strategic Trade said, “The visit further strengthens the collaboration between Government and Aspen, ‎and provides additional impetus to jointly finding homegrown solutions to the challenges that face South Africa’s economic and healthcare system. This collaboration also dispels some myths that Government and the private sector are at odds with one another.” “Aspen has significantly ‎expanded its global footprint. It has an active presence in 76 countries and distributes product to more than 150 countries. This expansion has been mirrored by our ongoing investment in local manufacture which in the past 18 months has exceeded R2 billion, and which continues to contribute to economic growth and export prospects. Our more recent developments include a High Containment Suite to produce high potency and oncological products, and a second Small Volume Parental facility with highly specialised, pre-filled syringe capability for niche low molecular weight heparin injectables for domestic and offshore markets. We also produce the unique MDR-TB injection, Capreomycin (Capstat)® as well as more than 40 million units of Murine® eye drops, the USA’s second largest over the counter eyed drop brand.” In his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Ramaphosa said, “I salute Aspen for having the foresight to build these plants here in Port Elizabeth, therefore creating valuable high tech jobs. It allows us as Government to purchase medicines that Aspen produces at affordable prices.” Nicolaou added that Aspen’s latest capex spend positions it as a global leader in a number of niche therapeutic areas, such as injectable anti-coagulants (thrombotics), infant nutrition and male and female hormonal health. This investment has further enabled it to re-locate off shore manufacture back into South Africa, which provides for significant export opportunities. “Aspen has ambitious global plans in selected niche, specialist therapeutic areas. These plans are consistent with and aligned to Government’s industrialisation plans. We remain committed to an ongoing contribution to diversify South Africa’s economy, unlock local investments, further establish economic linkages with SME’s, provide job and export opportunities and contribute to the overall challenge of tackling the stubborn inclusive growth challenge we face. Aspen is proof that technology-driven companies will continue to significantly contribute to South Africa’s economic growth,” said Nicolaou. Present at the visit was CEO of Proudly SA, Advocate Leslie Sedibe, who said, “Aspen’s investment in local manufacture and its state of the art facility is a clear demonstration of SA’s global competitiveness in support of DTI’s call to strengthen SA’s industrialization programme through the support for local products. Proudly SA supports Aspen’s achievements in this regard.” While Aspen has 28 manufacturing facilities at 8 sites around the world, South Africa remains the Group’s preferred manufacturing destination, proving that this country’s pharmaceutical manufacture can compete with among the best in the world. Aspen employs over 3000 people in the Eastern Cape across its PE and East London sites.

Aspen is pleased to announce that certain of its wholly owned Australian subsidiaries (collectively “Aspen Australia”), have entered into an agreement with Strides (Australia) Pharma Pty Ltd (“Strides Australia”), a company incorporated in Australia, in terms whereof Aspen Australia will divest to Strides Australia, a portfolio of approximately 130 products for a consideration of approximately A$265 million (“the Australian Transaction”). The portfolio of products in the Australian Transaction comprises a generic pharmaceutical business together with certain branded pharmaceutical assets. This portfolio recorded revenue of A$106 million and a direct contribution to profit before tax of A$26 million for the year ended 30 June 2014. In a separate transaction, Aspen Global Incorporated (“AGI”), a company incorporated in Mauritius, has entered into an agreement with Strides Pharma Global Pte Limited (“Strides Singapore”), a company incorporated in Singapore, in terms whereof AGI will divest to Strides Singapore, a portfolio of six branded prescription products, for a consideration of approximately US$92 million. This portfolio recorded revenue of US$12 million and a direct contribution to profit before tax of US$10 million for the year ended 30 June 2014. Strides Australia and Strides Singapore are wholly owned subsidiaries of Strides Arcolab Limited (“Strides”), a pharmaceutical company headquartered and publicly listed in India. Strides have a key focus on the development and manufacture of IP-led, niche pharmaceuticals products. These transactions form part of Aspen’s communicated strategic intent to focus attention in areas where most value can be added and to lessen complexity. The transactions are conditional upon, inter alia, the approval of the Australian Foreign Investments Review Board.   Durban 21 May 2015 Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited   ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (“Aspen Holdings”) Registration number: 1985/0002935/06 Share code: APN ISIN: ZAE000066692 and its subsidiaries (collectively “Aspen” or “the Group”)

Shareholders are advised that Aspen is currently engaged in discussions regarding a possible acquisition of an infant nutritionals business. These discussions may have a material effect on the price of Aspen’s securities if successfully concluded and accordingly shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s securities. Durban 14 May 2015 Sponsor                                                                         Investec Bank Limited

Aspen is pleased to announce that Pharmacare Limited (“Pharmacare”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspen Holdings and the Group’s primary South African trading company, has concluded a set of agreements with Litha Pharma (Pty) Ltd (“Litha”) (a wholly owned South African subsidiary of Endo International Plc) in terms which Pharmacare will divest a business unit which forms part of its pharmaceutical division to Litha for a consideration of approximately R1.6 billion (“the Transaction”). The business unit concerned has a product portfolio comprising injectables and established brands. This portfolio recorded revenue of R362 million and a direct contribution to profit before tax of R136 million for the year ended 30 June 2014. The Transaction forms part of Aspen’s communicated strategic intent to focus attention in areas where most value can be added and to lessen complexity. The Transaction is conditional upon, inter alia, the approval of the South African Competition Authorities. Durban 11 May 2015 Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited