United Drug reports growth in first half of 2012

United Drug has reported its interim financial results for the first six months of its 2012 business year, during which it made progress towards several strategic goals.

The company's revenue total for the half-year ending on March 31st 2012 came to 894.2 million euros (713.16 million pounds), level with the performance from the same period last year, while earnings per share were up by eight percent.

Its efforts to internationalise its business gained traction during the period, with its operations outside of Ireland generating more than 70 percent of its operating profits and the US division contributing 25 percent on its own.

During the six months, the company also appointed Dr Peter Gray as its new chairman, succeeding the retiring Ronnie Kells.

The United Drug group now expects to deliver adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of between four and eight percent for the full year, while also posting a strong cash flow performance.

United Drug's chief executive officer Liam FitzGerald said: "The first half of 2012 has seen us advance our international healthcare services offering and return to good growth in profits and earnings, while continuing to invest in our physical and IT infrastructure and management talent."