Orion re-elects Jukka Ylppo as vice-chairman

Orion’s board of directors has re-elected Jukka Ylppo as its vice-chairman.

The group met yesterday to discuss the available positions. Further decisions included placing Matti Kavetvuo as chairman of the remuneration committee, Vesa Puttonen as chairman of the audit division and Leena Palotie as chairman of the research and development group.

An assessment of each of the associates was conducted by the Finnish pharmaceutical’s board of directors.

The company commented: “[It was] concluded that all the members are independent of the company and its significant shareholders.”

Members of the nomination committee will be elected at a later date.

Also at Orion’s annual group meeting ? which was held Monday March 23rd in Helsinki – the decision was made to pay a dividend of 0.95 euros (0.88 pence) per share for 2008. The payment date will be April 2nd.

Pharmaceuticals account for around 95 per cent of Orion’s net sales and the firm carries out intensive research in a number of fields, including oncology and critical care, central nervous system and respiratory medicines.

The Finnish business also collaborates with other company’s within its sector.