Roche continues “positive trend” in latest financial results

Roche has continued to follow its “positive trend” of recent years in its latest financial results, it has announced.

Severin Schwan, the company’s chief executive officer, made this comment as the firm posted an increase in group sales of two billion Swiss francs (1.14 billion pounds) to 24 billion Swiss francs.

In addition, the firm announced a 20 per cent increase in operating profit – before exceptional items – to eight billion Swiss francs.

At constant exchange rates, double-digit core EPS growth is expected in both 2009 and 2010, the firm added.

Mr Schwan said he is “especially pleased” with the progress that has been made regarding the integration of Roche and Genentech.

“The Genentech transaction further strengthens our ability to deliver on our long-term strategy of innovation in our core pharmaceuticals and diagnostics businesses,” he added.

Roche and Genentech announced the start of the integration process on April 14th 2009.