United Drug posts strong 2012 performance

United Drug posted a strong level of performance last year, new figures from the organisation have shown.

The Irish group's annual report for 2012 shows that its operating profit climbed to 84.4 million euros (72.9 million pounds) during this 12-month period – a significant rise of ten percent on the figure of 76.8 million euros registered one year previously.

Meanwhile, total revenue received by United Drug – a firm that employs more than 7,000 people globally – increased by five percent in 2012 to a level of 1.83 billion euros from 1.74 billion euros in 2011.

Peter Gray, chairman of the company, labelled the results "strong" and paid tribute to the work put in by his predecessor Ronnie Kells, who he took over from in February last year.

"In the six years that Ronnie chaired the Board, which included a global recession, United Drug made significant progress in its strategic development," the official noted.