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Aspen is in a closed period from 1st July 2026 until the publication of the annual results on the JSE SENS platform on the 2nd September 2026.

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Aspen’s revenue increases to R42.6 billion

Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a leading global pharmaceutical company, has announced today, in conjunction with the announcement of its annual results for the year ended 30 June 2018, that it has concluded an agreement to divest of its global Nutritional Business to the Lactalis Group Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We are pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed to divest of our Nutritionals Business to French-based Lactalis Group, a leading multinational dairy corporation, for Euro 740 million (R12.9 billion at current exchange rates). The disposal is in line with our strategic intention to focus our attention on our core pharmaceutical business which includes the Anaesthetics, Thrombosis and High Potency & Cytotoxic portfolios. The heightened focus is expected to drive increased business efficiency and performance.” “This year we celebrate 20 years since we listed on the JSE. Over the past two decades we have evolved from being a domestic generics player to a global multi-national focusing on specialised niche products that are complex to manufacture. Generic products contribute less than 15% to the Group’s pharma revenue today and our strategic focus is on building our specialty portfolio.” DIVESTMENT OF GLOBAL NUTRITIONALS BUSINESS TO LACTALIS FOR EUR 739.8 MILLION With reference to Aspen’s earlier announcement wherein it advised that it had undertaken a strategic review of its Global Nutritionals Business predominantly carried on in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific under the S-26, Alula and Infacare brands (“Nutritionals Business”), Aspen is pleased to announce that it has concluded an agreement to divest of its Nutritionals Business to the Lactalis Group, a leading multinational dairy corporation based in Laval, France, for a fully funded cash consideration of EUR 739.8 million / R12.9 billion (translated at ZAR17.4/EUR) (“the Transaction”). The Lactalis Group is a privately owned, global leader in the dairy industry with revenue of EUR 18.4 billion, sales in over 200 countries, approximately 80 000 employees and 246 industrial plants in 47 different countries. Lactalis’ strategic intent is to develop a global infant nutritional business to complement their existing global product range. The transaction is considered to be a compelling opportunity for both the transferring Aspen employees as well as the shareholders of both Aspen and Lactalis. In terms of the Transaction, the disposal of the Nutritionals Business will comprise the following elements: Intellectual property and any related goodwill presently owned by: Aspen Holdings and Pharmacare Limited in respect of the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa Nutritionals Businesses; and Aspen Global Incorporated in respect of the Latin American and Asia Pacific Nutritionals Businesses; Tangible assets (including plant, leased immovable property, equipment, associated fixed assets and inventory) presently owned by various Aspen Group companies in respect of the South African, Sub- Saharan Africa and Latin American Nutritionals Businesses; Product registrations and retail registrations regarding Aspen’s nutritional products; Shares in companies conducting Aspen’s Nutritional Business across Asia Pacific (including the acquisition of shares held by joint venture partners in New Zealand and Hong Kong); and Transfer of dedicated Nutritionals staff employed within each of the geographical regions. Rationale Aspen’s disposal of the Nutritionals Business will allow the Aspen business units in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa to dedicate all of their time and attention to their core pharmaceutical businesses. This heightened focus is expected to drive increased business efficiency and performance. Aspen believes that Lactalis’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to develop a leading global position in infant nutrition will provide the Nutritional Business and the transferring Aspen employees with exciting future opportunities for growth and development. Financial information The Global Nutritional Business contributed ZAR 3.091 billion to Group revenue and ZAR 512 million to Group segmental contribution profit for the year ended 30 June 2018. The proceeds of EUR 739.8 million will be reduced by approximately EUR 62 million which will be utilised to buy-out Aspen’s joint venture partners in New Zealand and China. The balance of the proceeds from the Transaction, after costs and taxes, will be utilised to reduce Aspen’s gearing, creating greater headroom and capacity. Conditions precedent and completion The Transaction is conditional upon the fulfilment of a number of conditions precedent, the more material of which are the following: Approval by the Mexican and South African Competition/Anti-Trust authorities; South African Reserve Bank approval to the extent required under the Exchange Control Regulations; New Zealand and Australian foreign investment approvals to the extent required; Signature by Aspen and Lactalis of implementation agreements, including certain regional asset purchase and share purchase agreements with the various Aspen subsidiaries; and Signature or renewal of certain transitional service and other incidental agreements, some of which are with third parties. It is anticipated that the Transaction will complete within the next 6 months. Categorisation of the Transaction The Transaction is categorised as a Category 2 transaction in terms of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements. Withdrawal of Cautionary Announcement Aspen has advised shareholders that following the release of the full details of the divestment of the Nutritionals Business, shareholders no longer need to exercise caution when dealing in their Aspen securities in this regard. GROUP PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 Revenue increased by 3% to R42.6 billion. Normalised headline earnings per share (“NHEPS”) rose by 10% to 1604.9 cents. Normalised EBITDA increased by 5% to R12.0 billion. Earnings per share grew by 17% to 1316.6 cents. Headline earnings per share increased by 13% to 1468.8 cents. Operating cash flow per share increased by 8% to 1537.3 cents. Distribution to shareholders per share increased by 10% to 315.0 cents. Lower earnings in the second half of the year than in the first half were primarily influenced by the unfavourable impact of the strengthened ZAR. At constant exchange rates (“CER”), revenue in the second half of the financial year was in line with that of the first half. However, the stronger ZAR in the second half resulted in ZAR reported second half revenue being lower by R1.3 billion. Significant factors influencing performance

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Aspen meets with French Prime Minister Philippe and members of his cabinet

Aspen was one of the few companies invited by French Prime Minister Edward Philippe to attend the Health Industry Strategic Meeting on 9 July 2018 at the Matignon, Paris – the official office of the Prime Minister. Represented by Stavros Nicolaou and Fabrice Jover, Aspen had an opportunity to hold brief discussions with Prime Minister Philippe; Minister of Health, Dr Agnes Buzyn; French Junior Minister for Economy, Finance and Trade, Delphine Geny-Stephann and other officials. During these discussions Aspen was able to highlight its ongoing French production investment through its Notre Dame de Bondeville manufacturing site and its continued commitment to supplying quality, affordable and accessible medicines, most of which are life-saving, to the citizens of France and the European Union. Aspen has capacity to manufacture over 250 million pre-filled injectable thrombosis syringes for global distribution from this French-based site, and it is in the process of installing new capacity at the same site to manufacture anaesthetic products. During the meeting Minister Philippe also made certain announcements with respect to future pricing of pharmaceutical product in the French market.

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Aspen’s continued commitment to Mandela Day

Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a leading global pharmaceutical company, is, for the eighth consecutive year, participating in Mandela Day through activities hosted by its businesses spanning 6 continents. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We heeded the Mandela Day call for the first time in 2011 and we have continued to remain actively involved in this programme. As our businesses are geographically diverse, we don’t limit our activities to 18 July, but extend these to run throughout the year. This approach has reinforced our ongoing participation in socio economic initiatives that contribute towards improving the lives of less fortunate citizens across the world. Respect, caring, integrity and passion are central to our DNA as are similar values that have been adopted by the Mandela Foundation.” Saad added that Aspen is encouraged by its employees who are eager to make a difference for others. “Interest in Mandela Day has grown at Aspen over the years with participation having resulted in thousands of our people committing to the programme, but more importantly, continuing to remain involved with beneficiaries long after 18 July. We collectively roll up our sleeves and demonstrate our care by joining hands across the continents through a vast range of initiatives that require support. These projects relate to the likes of healthcare, nutrition, education, social enhancement and development, infrastructural improvements, animal wellbeing and preserving our environment.” Mr Saad said that no act of kindness is more important than another. A sales representative who decides to buy lunch for a homeless person and share in conversation while enjoying a meal together touches a life just as a team painting classrooms or preparing meals for the elderly would. “Mr Mandela called on all citizens to contribute toward making the world a better place and we are humbled to have been able to host some 430 projects that have touched the lives of nearly 450 000 beneficiaries to date through our caring acts of kindness demonstrated in celebration of Mandela Day. Every citizen has the ability to #bethelegacy and you are encouraged to do so to,” added Mr Saad. Read more about Aspen’s Mandela Day activities at www.aspenmandeladay.com and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Realising Joost’s dream for MND care

Through public private partnership the Gauteng Department of Health and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) gave recognition to their Motor Neuron Disease (MND) clinic as a center of excellence to intensify its health care services. This is in response to a  desperate need to offer special care to patients who are suffering from this debilitating progressive disease, which in many instances ends up paralyzing patients, often described as patients being trapped in their own bodies. Rugby legend, former Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen succumbed to the disease in Febuary 2017. Gauteng’s MEC for Health,  Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, highlighted the plight of the largely forgotten sufferers of MND at the event hosted on 6 July and added her admiration for the late Joost’s fight against the disease and his efforts to raise public awareness, particularly those from disadvantaged and resource constrained patients. “Patients now have regular access to therapy across a range of disciplines, including medical care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social workers,” said MEC Ramokgopa. The Clinic is a joint collaboration between a number of stakeholders, including the Provincial Department of Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Wits University Medical School, The Joost van der Westhuizen Neurodegeneration Foundation (JCN), Aspen and various Patient Support Groupings. Stavros Nicolaou, said “MND and other associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as ALS are among the most progressively debilitating medical conditions known to humanity, with patients and their families enduring tremendous hardship. This initiative is a good example of how collective efforts and focus of the private and public sectors, can deliver world class solutions and make a meaningful difference to patients and the healthcare system at large.” “While MND is a poorly understood condition and one that requires significant further effort, there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to materially improve the quality of life of patients, particularly those that are resource constrained. This initiative will make a significant difference to those patients. Although Aspen is not directly involved in the MND therapeutic area, it has a number of neuroscience products, which offer a broad range of therapeutic solutions and this initiative is supportive of Aspen’s neuroscientific presence,” added Stavros. With the assistance of Aspen, the team will work towards improving access to care for MND patients, furthering South African research efforts and building relationships with international researchers with a view to establishing clinical trials in South Africa. It’s a bold step towards the end goal of creating a world-class centre of excellence housed in its own building and dedicated to the care, research and well-being of MND patients.

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Aspen opens R1 billion high containment facility

Port Elizabeth – JSE Limited-listed Aspen Pharmacare (APN), South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, officially opened its R1 billion Port Elizabeth-based high containment facility earlier today. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “Aspen continues its evolution into a global specialty manufacturer of niche products requiring complex technologies. The high potency manufacturing facility we are opening today represents such complex technologies, providing Aspen with the opportunity to expand it exports with products which are used for rare indications.  Initial production in this facility is planned for Alkeran, Leukeran and Purinethol (treatment of late stage cancers), Imuran (prevention of organ tissue rejection in liver and kidney transplants as well as treatment of certain autoimmune diseases) and Benztropine (treatment of Parkinson’s disease).” Saad added, “The commissioning of this facility further cements Aspen’s position as the largest private investor in the South African pharmaceutical industry, with its current manufacturing operations constituting a significant portion of the installed pharmaceutical volume capacity in our country. Aspen’s ongoing investment in its South African manufacturing sites bolsters the introduction of new technologies, the addition of skilled employment opportunities and the enhancement of our country’s export capability.” Officiating at the opening, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, said the investment will significantly strengthen our country’s capacity as a manufacturer of quality pharmaceutical products. “Aspen’s expansion into the High Potency Facility will enable the manufacture of products not previously produced locally and also add to the export capacity of Aspen contributing to the overall growth of the pharmaceutical sector and will potentially have a positive impact on lowering the current trade deficit within this sector,” said Davies. Minister Davies added that the facility will further enhance both South Africa and Aspen’s status in terms of regional and continental trade. “Aspen is a leading global producer of regulated hormonal products and a leader in infant nutrition products in select emerging markets. With this new facility, it is anticipated that around 95% of these new products are to be exported with target markets in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa with the first exports expected to Europe as the first regulatory approvals were from Europe.  The new high potency manufacture facility will provide Aspen with niche-type capability to offer the market specialised therapeutics and increase its footprint within the global pharmaceutical environment,” said Minister Davies.” Aspen’s operations in the Eastern Cape employ over 2500 people of which 2000 are at the Port Elizabeth site with more than 90% of these employees being recruited from local communities. The high containment facility, together with the new sterile facility being built at the same site, will provide for some 500 additional jobs. In order to ensure world class training capabilities in its employees, Aspen is in the process of establishing a Training Academy. The intention is to give Aspen employees the opportunity to attain national accredited qualifications in pharmaceutical manufacture. The 23,000m² facility has been audited by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the German regulator, Landesamt für soziale Dienste des Landes Schleswig-Holstein (LAsD) both of which have granted the requested approval. At full capacity, the high containment facility is expected to produce approximately 3.6 billion tablets annually and package some 3 million bottles per month.   Issued jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry and Aspen Pharmacare Download a PDF version of this document here. About Aspen Aspen is a leading global player in specialty, branded and generic pharmaceuticals with an extensive basket of products that provide treatment for a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions experienced through all stages of life. With an acknowledged presence of nearly 2 decades in the pharmaceutical sector, Aspen remains committed to its core values of providing quality and effective healthcare solutions to millions of patients in more than 150 countries, with its core focus being in the Thrombosis, Anaesthetic, High Potency & Cytotoxic and Nutritional therapeutic categories. Aspen has a strong presence in both emerging and developed countries. Its emerging market footprint includes Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, China, South East Asia, Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, comprising Russia and the former Soviet Republics. It is also a leading pharmaceutical company in developed countries including Australia and most notably in Western Europe. Aspen operates with an established business presence in approximately 50 countries spanning 6 continents and employs more than 10,000 people. The Group operates 25 manufacturing facilities across 17 sites. Aspen holds international manufacturing approvals from some of the most stringent global regulatory agencies including the FDA, TGA and EMA. Aspen’s manufacturing capabilities are scalable to demand and cover a wide variety of product-types including oral solid dose, liquids, semi-solids, steriles, biologicals, APIs and infant nutritionals. With a market capitalisation of approximately $10 billion, Aspen is the largest pharmaceutical company listed on the JSE Limited (share code: APN) and ranks amongst the top 20 listed companies on this exchange.  For more information visit www.aspenpharma.com

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Aspen presented with the Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy (Africa) Award

Cape Town – JSE Limited-listed Aspen Pharmacare (APN), South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, was presented with the Economic Diplomacy (Africa) Award by the South African Government at the prestigious 4th annual Ubuntu Awards, held in Cape Town on 22 March 2018. Accepting the award from Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and Cooperations (“Dirco”) on behalf of Aspen Pharmacare, Stavros Nicolaou, Senior Executive – Strategic Trade Development, said, “We are extremely humbled to have been considered as worthy recipients of the Economic Diplomacy (Africa) Award. Our ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence, cutting edge technologies, scientific development and our significant skills and competency investment in our people, has led to Aspen becoming South Africa’s most globalized company. It is particularly pleasing that we are now ranked globally as the leading supplier of anaesthetics outside of the USA and the second largest global supplier of injectable thrombosis products, both in complex, and high value added technologies. We have never forgotten our South African roots and continue to make significant manufacturing investments in our country, continuously expanding both our domestic and export capability.” Clayson Monyela, the Deputy Director General of DIRCO said, “The criteria for winning this category of award are stringent and the competition was particularly stiff this year. Accordingly, on behalf of DIRCO, we wish to congratulate Aspen, a company that was born in the post 1994 democratic era, for achieving this accolade. The Group has excelled in the area of Economic Diplomacy and has made meaningful contributions to social development, economic growth and transformation in our country, all of which are important criteria for winning this award.” Nicoloau concluded, “While this award recognizes the present, we look forward to working with our multiple partners and stakeholders, which include South African Government, in uplifting disadvantaged communities through our numerous socio-economic enhancement programmes in the fields of healthcare and education and continuing to contribute to much needed economic growth, development and job creation in our country.” The award is determined through a public nomination process, followed by open voting, comprising Government departments, corporates and the general public. The companies with the highest number of votes are then adjudicated by an esteemed panel of South African judges. The criteria used for voting, and the criteria which determines the ultimate winner, includes contribution to South African growth and job creation, good corporate citizenship and governance, contributions to social development and societal transformation and alignment to our country’s National Development Plan (NDP). Some 600 guests attended the Ubuntu Awards that celebrate excellence in diplomacy and honour individuals and companies that positively projected South Africa’s image through excellence in their chosen fields.

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Media Enquiries

Shauneen Beukes
Group Communications Consultant
+27 31 580 8600
+27 82 389 8900
sbeukes@aspenpharma.com

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Closed Period

Aspen is in a closed period from 1st January 2026 until the publication of the interim results on the JSE SENS platform on the 3rd March 2026.

The live presentation will take place in Cape Town at 08h30 on 2 March 2023.

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