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
Clayville, Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), the 5th largest generic company in the world, earlier today hosted a delegation of over 30 government dignitaries at its manufacturing facility where specialised infant nutritional products are produced for local and export markets. The facility is unique in that it contains highly specialized spray dried capability which enables the manufacture of some of the continent’s leading Infant Milk Formula (IMF) brands such as Infacare, Infacare Gold and the S-26 range. Aspen recently acquired the S-26 portfolio from Nestlé. The delegation was led by Gauteng Premier David Makhura and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana, and included Gauteng MEC for Health Qedani Mahlangu and Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele. Government expressed their approval of Aspen’s commitment to the enhancement of local manufacturing, which significantly contributes to provide for increased economic growth and export opportunities in the province. Aspen’s range of IMFs has been earmarked for strategic export markets such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and China. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive reiterated the Group’s global expansion into various markets including Africa, Europe, South America and Asia. “Aspen has successfully created a business presence on 6 continents and our previously stated objective of increasing our footprint in the Asian and SSA markets is rapidly materializing. China is a key growth area for the Group and its burgeoning population offers significant export opportunities for our infant nutritional and other locally manufactured products”. Saad said that the Group remained committed to South African economic development through ongoing investment in its manufacturing facilities. A key component of the IMF is the base powder that is currently imported. There are however opportunities for local agro processing of the base powder which will build value linkages across communities, provide a much needed economic boost and also curtail raw manufacturing costs which will result in enhanced competitiveness in export markets. He announced that a further capex has been earmarked for investment at the Aspen Nutritionals site in Clayville in order to increase manufacturing capacity for export markets. The investment would however be dependent upon various factors including local supply, competitive pricing and the review of tariffs on imported blended powder. “Aspen Nutritionals is one of very few facilities that has invested in specialized spray dried technology required in the manufacture of powdered IMF. The quality of our products continues to meet the highest international accreditation standards, which has enabled us to significantly increase our export base”, added Saad. Stavros Nicolaou Aspen Senior Executive Strategic Trade said: “Aspen’s objectives are entirely consistent and complimentary to Premier Makhura’s ten point economic growth plan of the province, which include re-industrialisation of the economy, creation of decent employment and the establishment of strategic partnerships” Aspen’s efforts to develop strategic partnerships for the supply of base powder further promotes trade and investment and supports the growth of key identified economic sectors in that it facilitates environmental sustainability and the efficient use of existing resources.
Statement by Stephen Saad, Group CEO, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd “Aspen” on the violent attacks directed at fellow African migrants living in South Africa Durban – Aspen, largest producer and supplier of medicines to our African continent, in the strongest terms condemns the shameful and senseless harassment and violence directed at fellow African migrants, in KwaZulu Natal, Alexandra and other parts of our country. At this time we join many millions in our country, our continent and indeed around the world in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. Our thoughts also go out to those who have lost property and belongings and have subsequently been displaced to camps and other locations around our country. Accordingly Aspen was a leading part of the consultative stakeholder meeting on migrant Xenophobia convened by President Zuma and the Government of the Republic at the end of this week. At this meeting, some of Aspen’s proposals on addressing our country’s growing drug and substance abuse, one of the root causes identified by our Government of the problem was highlighted. To this end, Aspen will continue working with our Government and other civic organisations in assisting those who have been displaced and lost their belongings. On this basis, Aspen has made available a donation to enable procurement of much needed medicines for the camps, in order to contain the outbreak of diseases that has the potential to intensify this human tragedy. Furthermore, Aspen has undertaken together with other stakeholders, including Government, the sporting fraternity to co-ordinate a symbolic friendly soccer match, in which various leaders and both African and South African soccer legends will unite and send a strong message against Xenophobia. The aim is to host this match in Alexandra, the site of the senseless murder of Mozambican national Ernest Sithole, who died wearing a Bafana Bafana wrist band. Legally based African migrants are an integral part of our society and constitute a key part of the diversity that is the unique tapestry of our country. Those African migrants contribute much needed skills and intellectual capital to our economy. We acknowledge their contribution and call on all South Africans, the overwhelming majority of whom condemn Xenophobia to work together to re-establish an environment of tolerance, where all communities co-exist in peace and harmony. We must ensure these attacks are never repeated again. In closing, we call on all South Africans to support efforts at condemning Xenophobia, upholding the rule of Law and accelerating economic transformation and reducing inequality, all important aspects in ensuring an end to these deplorable attacks.
GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) has announced the completion of the disposal of half of its 12.4% shareholding in Aspen (equivalent to 28.2 million ordinary shares). These shares were sold by means of an accelerated book build offering process which resulted in the shares being sold at ZAR 372 per share, raising gross proceeds of approximately ZAR 10.5 billion. Following settlement of the sale, GSK will hold 28.2 million ordinary shares in Aspen, representing approximately 6.2% of the issued share capital. Simon Dingemans, GSK’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “GSK has a long and successful commercial partnership with Aspen and our investment in the company has grown in value significantly over time. As we continue to reshape the Group around our core franchises and drive the benefits from the Novartis transaction, optimizing our financial flexibility to invest behind these priorities is key. As a result we have decided now is the right time to realise further value from this successful relationship. We continue to believe in the strategy of Aspen and we remain committed to working together in the future.” The Board of Aspen has agreed that Mr David Redfern, recently appointed as GSK’s nominee director to replace Mr Abbas Hussain on the Board, will remain a director of Aspen. Durban 13 March 2015 Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration number: 1985/0002935/06 Share code: APN ISIN: ZAE000066692 (“Aspen” or “the Company”)
Aspen’s half-year gross revenue surges by 47% to R19 billion Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), the fifth largest generic company in the world, has announced stellar results for the six months ended 31 December 2014, which have primarily been driven by its offshore businesses. GROUP PERFORMANCE Gross revenue increased by 47% to R19.0 billion. Operating profit rose by 50% to R4.3 billion. Net profit after tax and earnings per share each advanced 27% to R2.5 billion and 539 cents respectively. Normalised headline earnings, being headline earnings adjusted for specific non-trading items, increased by 22% to R2.6 billion. Normalised headline earnings per share improved by 22% to 569 cents. Borrowings net of cash reduced by R1.2 billion while cash generated from operating activities accelerated 128%. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We are pleased with the Group’s excellent performance. These results were underpinned by the expansion of our International business, which now contributes 46% to the Group’s gross revenue. The Nutritionals products have also made an increased contribution to the Group..” “The global pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a prevalence of restructuring and consolidation, which creates acquisitive opportunities. Aspen is well placed to participate in these and its proven capability to successfully execute complex multi-territory transactions makes Aspen a strong candidate for such opportunities,” said Saad INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Revenue in the International business was 158% higher at R8.8 billion and performance was boosted by the inclusion of the significant transactions completed during the previous financial year. Revenue from the Europe CIS business climbed 229% to R5.1 billion from finished dose form pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredient sales. Revenue in Latin America advanced 118% to R2.6 billion, largely driven by the recent infant milk formula acquisition, while sales to customers in the Rest of the World were up 36% to R0.9 billion. Capital expenditure projects are continuing at Aspen Oss in the Netherlands and at the French-based Aspen Notre Dame de Bondeville site. ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS Revenue in the Asia Pacific region was 3% higher at R4.4 billion where the Nutritionals products led the way with strong double-digit growth. Sales to customers in Asia continued on an impressive growth trajectory, doubling to R0.6 billion. SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS As the ongoing leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country, revenue in the South African business grew by 12% to R4.3 billion. Private sector pharmaceutical sales increased 10% through a combination of organic growth and new product launches. Sales in the public sector were flat. The consumer division raised revenue by 30%, led by the Nutritionals products with Infacare achieving an increase in its share of this category. The capital expenditure projects at the Port Elizabeth finished dose form manufacturing site and the Cape Town API manufacturing site are progressing well. SUB-SAHARAN BUSINESS In Sub-Saharan Africa, revenue improved by 5% to R1.5 billion. Margin improvement initiatives yielded positive results and lifted EBITA 12% to R210 million. Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications Tel: +27 (012) 661-8467 : Cell: +27 82 389 8900 Disclaimer We may make statements that are not historical facts and relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These are forward looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “seek”, “will”, “plan”, “indicate, “could”, “may”, “endeavor”, “prospects” and “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward looking statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may be very different from those anticipated. The factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward looking statements are discussed in each year’s annual report. Forward looking statements apply only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake other than in terms of the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All profit forecasts published in this report are unaudited.
Aspen is pleased to announce that Aspen Global Incorporated (“AGI”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspen Holdings, has entered into an agreement with Novartis AG in terms of which it will acquire the rights to Mono-Embolex®, an injectable anti-coagulant, for a consideration of US$142.3 million. Mono-Embolex is a heparin based anti-coagulant sold in the same therapeutic category as Aspen’s Arixtra and Fraxiparine. This product is, however, the only low molecular weight heparin that offers patients weight-independent dosing, thereby combining ease of administration with the proven efficacy in prophylaxis and therapy of deep vein thrombosis. The product presents an excellent strategic fit with the Group’s recent acquisitions in this therapeutic area and will be positioned as a simple-to-use once daily prophylaxis treatment supporting Aspen’s other current anti-coagulant offerings. As the product is only commercialized in Germany, Switzerland and Austria it presents Aspen with an opportunity to launch it in other countries. The product recorded revenue of EUR68 million in 2013. The transaction is subject to the approval of the German competition authorities.
Following the announcement of the Anti-Retroviral (ARV) Tender results by the South African National Treasury Department, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is pleased to announce that its South African operating company (Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare) has been successful in winning a number of key products in the tender Aspen’s award included 25% of the Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) containing Tenofovir, Emtracitibine and Efavirenz, which will be used to treat upwards of 80% of 1st line adult treatment, in spite of strong competition. The tender is effective for a period of three years, commencing 1 April 2015. Aspen secured R2,7 billion or approximately 20% of the awarded tender value based upon expected future demand as published in the invitation to tender. The tender value is estimated to be approximately R14 billion over 3 years. The South African ARV Tender is the largest of its kind in the world. Aspen has been a leading supplier to this tender since inception of the programme, providing a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality ARV products to the State. Aspen was awarded a share of the following products: These tender results again confirm Aspen’s reputation for cost competitiveness against both local and foreign suppliers. Aspen’s range of ARV’s are produced at its world-class manufacturing facilities in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This has resulted in unlocking capacity to accommodate growing demand from Aspen’s domestic and foreign territories and also contributed towards further optimizing manufacturing efficiencies. Durban 24 December 2014 Sponsor Investec Bank Limited
Shauneen Beukes
Group Communications Consultant
+27 31 580 8600
+27 82 389 8900
sbeukes@aspenpharma.com
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