UCB launches Shape restructuring programme

UCB has announced the initiation of its Shape restructuring programme it claims will help realise its transformation into a company focused on immunology and central nervous system disease areas.

The firm is looking to redeploy its resources, increase its focus on core assets, advance its research and development and simplify its organisation, while reducing its worldwide workforce.

UCB said it the Shape programme will lead to a reallocation of 300 million euros (240 million pounds) over the next three years and a workforce reduction of 2,000 positions, equal to around 17 per cent of its staff.

Around 2,400 positions will be made redundant and 400 new positions created, while 300 positions will be redeployed to the core sites of the company.

It claims these moves will improve the profitability and competitiveness of the firm.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB, said: “We will help our employees to go through the changes ahead of us.

“Our priority will be to look for solutions that lead to a new future.”

He added the company hopes to achieve this goal through constructive and open dialogue with its social partners worldwide.

Earlier this month, UCB signed a contract with the service division of Galapagos, BioFocus DPI, to acquire its chemistry services for its medicinal chemistry programmes.