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Press releases 2006

France

Alliance UniChem launches generic brand Almus in France
12 April 2006

Alliance UniChem Plc is delighted to announce that it has commenced its European roll-out of Almus®, its exclusive range of generic drugs, through its launch into the French market.  The launch took place at the international pharmacy exhibition, Pharmagora, from 1 – 3 April 2006 in Paris.

Launched in the UK in 2003 Almus® has become one of the top five generic brands in the country. It has rapidly developed into one of the UK’s leading generic brands through its unique award winning packaging, consistency of specification, ready availability and competitive pricing. It is anticipated that the Almus® range of products will prove as popular in Europe as it is the UK and rapidly become a market leader.   

The range of Almus® products available in the French market will expand to more than 100 generic products consisting of key molecules during 2007.

Thanks to its impressive logistics and large network coverage, Alliance Santé, the French wholesale business of Alliance UniChem, will guarantee pharmacists regular and reliable supply of Almus® generics in accordance with their needs, whilst guaranteeing commercial conditions equivalent to direct sales from manufacturers.

Further launches of the Almus® range of products are planned to take place in Italy, Spain and Portugal.  Over time Almus® will be rolled out into every European market in which Alliance UniChem has a presence.

Ornella Barra, Executive Director, Alliance UniChem, commented:

“The arrival of Almus® in France will facilitate the growth of generics with patients and thus contribute to the efforts to curb health expenditure. Almus® is one of the market leaders of generics in the UK. With its launch in France and Italy in 2006 and thereafter in Spain and Portugal, we aim to create a well-known and highly successful pan-European brand. The development of Almus throughout Europe is in line with Alliance UniChem’s strong partnership with manufacturers and with our commitment to our core businesses of pharmaceutical wholesale and community pharmacy.”