Almirall to pay 0.316 euros dividend per share

Almirall is to pay a dividend of 0.316 euros (0.277 pounds) per share by June 1st.

During its annual general meeting, the company agreed to award its shareholders a total of 52,482,336 euros in bonuses.

This figure is in line with the policy announced when it was listed on the stock market.

Chairman and chief executive officer Jorge Gallardo noted the shareholders had placed confidence in the firm, which had allowed the company to carry on working as a “reference for the pharmaceutical sector”.

He commented: “We are pleased that our shareholders will be able to participate in Almirall’s successful business strategy.”

Earlier this month, the company announced it had closed the first quarter of 2009 with a net income of 63.8 million euros ? an increase of 40.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Net sales had also risen by 2.8 per cent to 245 million euros.

Mr Gallardo stated the figures met objectives and the business had begun 2009 with excellent prospects.