Press Releases

Johannesburg – JSE listed Aspen (Apn), Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, has recorded positive results for the period ended December 2006. Revenue increased by 15 percent to R1,936 billion (R1.687 billion). Net profit after tax rose 15 percent to R332 million (R288.5 million). Earnings per share increased by 13 percent to 95,3 cents (84,5 cents). Headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased 11 percent to 95,6 cents (86.3 cents). Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said “the Group’s key business units performed well and the product pipeline is in good shape to support future growth. Despite the absence of a price increase in South Africa during the period, finished dosage form pharmaceuticals grew revenue by 21% in this market, driven by organic growth and recent product launches. The 5.2% pricing increase announced by the Department of Health (DoH”) in January 2007 will only reflect in second half revenue. Aspen has improved its generic market share, despite increased international interest in this sector. ARVs delivered good growth as the government’s roll-out plan gains momentum. The contribution form Offshore Operations, in particular Australia, was also pleasing.” SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATIONS Revenue from the South African business grew by 11% to R1,550 billion and earnings before interest, investment income, tax and amortisation (“EBITA”) by 16% to R493 million. These results are distorted by the sale of 50% of the equity in Fine Chemicals Corporation Limited (“FCC”) midway through the prior financial year. Consequently, only half of the results achieved by FCC are consolidated into the results for the current period. Furthermore, the comparative period EBITA has been reduced by a R14 million write down in the fair value of FCC. The Pharmaceutical Division performed well, growing revenue by 14% despite the inclusion of only 50% of FCC. On a like-for-like basis revenue growth was 21%. Aspen has improved its generic market share over the six months (IMS data reflects at 35% market share for the twelve months to December) despite increased international interest in this business sector. In the second year of a two year tender cycle, the Public Sector business has been flat. Revenue from FDF antiretrovirals (“ARVs”) increased by 66% from R104 million to R173 million. FCC, the active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) manufacturer, matched the strong first half performance delivered in the prior year at both revenue and operating profit. The weaker rand and a strong export order book should assist in maintaining this momentum. The Consumer Division increased revenue by 6% to R432 million. Revenue performance was influenced by a slowing in growth by the infant nutritional range which consolidated substantial gains made in the prior year. Profit margins have however expanded as costs have been trimmed. High production levels have been maintained as stock levels have been raised to ensure optimum service levels to the market. Construction of the sterile facility is on track. Initial validation of this facility is planned for the beginning of 2008. The sterile facility is designed to US Food and Drug Administration standards. INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS Aspen’s international operations increased revenue by 31% and EBITA by 51%. This was achieved despite a poor performance from Co-pharma, but with the benefit of the inclusion of Astrix, the India-based API joint venture which commenced business in January 2006. Aspen Australia recorded revenue of R259 million, an increase of 24%, whilst improving EBITA by 36% to R37 million. Both Pharmaceutical and Consumer Divisions showed robust growth with the Consumer Division benefiting from new product additions. Aspen Resources, the UK based intellectual property and sourcing company, produced another positive performance, raising EBITA by 32% to R29 million. Co-pharma returned a small loss despite increased volumes. Astrix, which specializes in ARV APIs, increased its contribution to gross revenue from R67 million in its first six months of trade to R80 million. The largest portion of this increase was attributable to trade with Aspen. PROSPECTS The South African pipeline remains a rich source of future product launches as a consequence of continuous attention. The DoH has established a mechanism for annual price increases, taking into account changing economic fundamentals to which the industry is exposed. Aspen’s implementation of the 5,2% price increase will assist in relieving the pent up margin pressures caused by cost inflation and exchange rate weakness over the extended period when price increases were barred. The legislative environment for pharmaceuticals does however remain uncertain. The regulator has invited comment on the proposed international benchmarking legislation. Given the proposed structure of this legislation it is not possible for Aspen to evaluate the potential impact until greater clarity has been achieved in respect of originator products. Aspen is confident that the regulator will take due consideration of pertinent factors raised in comment by the industry. Aspen’s ARV offering continues to expand by product and territory providing scope for further strong growth in this life sustaining treatment category. Viread and Truvada, originator products which are leading second line treatments, will both be launched into African markets by Aspen before the end of the financial year. Growing capacity utilization in the oral solid dose (“OSD”) production facility will lead to enhanced production efficiencies. Opportunities to provide manufacturing services from the OSD facility for multi-national pharmaceutical companies are presently under consideration. There has also been substantial international interest in the production capabilities offered by the sterile facility due to commence commercial production towards the end of 2008. Aspen has already concluded a long-term agreement for production from the sterile facility with a subsidiary of Prestige Brands Inc., a leading supplier of eye drops in the USA and Canadian market. As has been previously communicated, the current year is one in which Aspen is focusing on the consolidation of past gains and on establishing the platform for the implementation of growth strategies through to the end of the decade. The benefits of these initiatives should be reflected in the results of the forthcoming financial year.

Johannesburg – JSE listed Aspen (Apn), Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, has announced impressive results for the financial year ended June 30, 2006. These are the first set of annual results reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Headline earnings per share (HEPS) grew by 235 percent to 185.5 cents (144.7 cents). Revenue increased by 23 percent to R3.449 billion (R2.9 billion). Operating profit increased by 96% to R968 million (R493 million). Capital distribution of 62 cents (48 cents) per ordinary share was declared. This represents an increase of 29% over the previous year distribution and is covered 3 times by headline earnings per share. These results have however been effected by a number of once-off transactions in both the prior and current year, the most material of which are: A charge of R282,4 million in the prior year in respect of the Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”) transaction concluded by Aspen in June 2005. The claiming of the Strategic Investment Project tax allowance under section 12G of the Income Tax Act relating to the investment by Aspen in its Oral Solid Dosage (“OSD”) facility. This has reduced the tax charge in the year under review by R31,9 million. Costs relating to Aspen’s unsuccessful bid to acquire PLIVA dd, a Croatian based generic pharmaceutical company, during the latter part of the year under review which amounted to R21,3 million. After adjusting for the once-offs, “normalised” headline earnings per share increased by 32% to 182.1 cents (144.7cents). Stephen Saad, Group Chief Executive said “Aspen’s impressive performance was driven by organic volume growth, new product launches, a strong performance from the consumer division led by infant milk formulations and an increased contribution from anti-retrovirals (ARVs). This is a highly credible performance despite the three year price freeze, an extremely competitive generic market, regulatory limitations placed on selected marketing activities and currency pressures.” SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATIONS The South African business continued to deliver solid results. Revenue grew by 24% to R2,849 billion and EBITA was up 21% at R913 million. These increases were achieved despite the disposal of 50% of Fine Chemicals Corporation (Pty) Ltd (FCC) to Matrix Laboratories Limited (“Matrix”) midway through the year. Pharmaceutical Division revenue increased by 24% to R2,054 billion. Finished dosage form pharmaceuticals raised revenue by 26% mainly through organic volume growth and new product launches. Aspen once again led the market in new product launches. Aspen increased volumes on award of the most recent South African public sector tender which commenced in October 2005. ARV sales for the year were R266 million of which more than R100 million was from exports to Africa with the balance coming from the South African private and public sectors. Aspen ARV’s presently cover the lives of an estimated 300 000 patients. The Consumer Division’s revenue increased by 24% to R795 million. This strong performance was led by Aspen’s infant milk formula brands which have increased market share over the year. The launch of Playgirl deodorants and line extensions to the Playboy and Vinolia brands further supported the good performance in the consumer market. Aspen’s Group Operations provided for continued high levels of production. Capacities were improved in the Port Elizabeth-based OSD facility with the addition of a second integrated granulation suite and the extension of packing capabilities. An investment in more efficient packing equipment was also made in the Port Elizabeth general facility. The additional capacity has allowed Aspen to manage increased demand more effectively and service levels are presently at an acceptable level. Construction of the sterile facility in Port Elizabeth is proceeding well. This R360 million rand facility will have production capabilities in injectables, eye drops and freeze-dried vials for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis products. The facility is planned to position Aspen at the highest international standards in an area of niche manufacture. Initial validation remains scheduled for the beginning of 2008. INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS Aspen Australia recorded a 28% increase in revenue to R396 million whilst improving EBITA by 22% to R53 million. The decline in operating margin percentage is a consequence of the full year effect of a long term distribution contract with Novartis which is only expected to become profit generating in the 2008 financial year. The consumer offering in Australia was expanded by the distribution of a range of deodorant brands commencing in January 2006. UK-based Aspen Resources increased its intellectual property portfolio by the acquisition of the deodorant brands which are distributed by Aspen Australia. Aspen Resources increased EBITA by 12% to R41 million. The UK commodity generic market remained intensely competitive. Co-pharma reported a decline in revenue of 23% to R162 million and a reduction of 64% in EBITA to R3 million. Aspen USA was incorporated during the year. This operation is in its formative stage and is presently focused on developing strategic opportunities in the USA market for the Group. No material trade took place during the year. Aspen acquired 50% of Indian-based Astrix Laboratories Limited (“Astrix”) in January 2006 for R233 million. Astrix is jointly owned with Matrix and provides vertical integration into the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients used in the production of ARVs. As such, revenue and profits generated by Astrix in its transactions with Aspen are eliminated on consolidation. INFECTIOUS DISEASES Aspen continues to commit substantial resources to the enhancement of its portfolio of generic ARVs. The development of ARVs, including combination products, are prioritised at the Group’s Pharmaceutical Research laboratories in Port Elizabeth. Aspen will also seek opportunities to further extend its influence in infectious diseases, particularly those afflicting Africa. PROSPECTS Growth prospects are likely to be most strongly influenced by the extent of additional generic substitution which takes place in the South African market, the market penetration achieved by new product launches which are driven by Aspen’s robust pipeline, the acceptance of price increases in the South African pharmaceutical market and demand patterns in the ARV markets serviced by Aspen. Aspen is investing in development and manufacturing capabilities in areas identified as potential future growth drivers. The Group is