United Drug is a healthcare services provider. The Company has four segments: Pharma Wholesale, Supply Chain Services, Medical and Scientific, and Contract Sales and Marketing Services.United Drug provides commercialisation solutions to international healthcare companies. We specialise in supply chain, packaging, sales and marketing, medical and regulatory services. We operate in five major international markets, and employ over 7,000 people around the world

http://www.united-drug.com/home/

Acquisition of healthcare marketing business

RNS


RNS Number : 8123M

United Drug PLC

30 August 2013








United Drug acquires Canadian multi-channel healthcare marketing business



30 August 2013: United Drug plc ("Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services, announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire the healthcare multi-channel marketing, call centre and sample management businesses from Medical Communications Group Inc. ("MCG"), for a total consideration of CAD$15.5m [c€11.2m]. The deal is expected to complete in the next six weeks, subject to the fulfilment of usual closing considerations.



Transaction highlights



· MCG is a leading multi-channel healthcare marketing business headquartered in Montreal, which provides outsourced services to over 60 pharmaceutical and healthcare companies in Canada.



· MCG specialises in multi-channel marketing, communications and sample and promotional material management services. The business was established in 1986 and currently employs c.60 people.



· United Drug has acquired MCG to build out its commercial proposition in Canada. This follows the acquisition of Pharmexx Canada, as part of its acquisition in 2012 of Pharmexx (the global Contract Sales Organisation). MCG will become part of the Sales, Marketing and Medical division of United Drug (which is known as the Ashfield division) and the existing management of MCG will remain with the business post-acquisition.



· The acquisition will be financed from the Group's internal resources and existing debt facilities and is expected to be earnings accretive in year one.



Commenting on the announcement, Liam FitzGerald, Chief Executive of United Drug said:



"The acquisition of MCG is another example of United Drug bolting on complementary businesses to build scale, where we already have an existing market presence. MCG has established a reputation over many years as a highly innovative provider of promotional services and the MCG expertise in multi-channel marketing complements the field based capabilities of Pharmexx. With our combined resources and expertise we look forward to building a market leading service offering in Canada."



ENDS

Interim Management Statement

RNS


RNS Number : 4755O

UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.

07 August 2014






UDG HEALTHCARE PLC



INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT



7 August 2014: UDG Healthcare plc ("the Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services, issues the following Interim Management Statement covering the period from 1 April 2014 to the date of this announcement.



Nine months to 30 June 2014

Group revenues and adjusted operating profits1 for the nine months to 30 June 2014 are ahead of the same period last year. Profit growth in the nine months to June has been driven by the strong performance of the Ashfield Commercial and Medical Services division (Ashfield).



Quarter to 30 June 2014

Performance for the quarter to 30 June 2014 has been good. Group revenues and profits for the three months are ahead of the same period last year, with Ashfield becoming the largest profit contributing division for the first time.



Ashfield Commercial and Medical Services

Ashfield has leading market positions in the provision of contract sales outsourcing, healthcare communications and medical services to pharmaceutical manufacturers in major markets including North America, the UK and continental Europe.



Trading during the three months to June has been strong with revenues and profits well ahead of the same period last year. Profit growth was particularly strong within the healthcare communications businesses due to a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. The North American business again performed well and the greenfield Japanese business moved into profitability in the quarter.



In March, we acquired the KnowledgePoint360 business strengthening our existing offering in healthcare communications. Its integration is going to plan and the business has performed well since acquisition.



In July, we acquired Galliard and Nyxeon which adds scientific public relations to the range of services we offer in healthcare communications.



Supply Chain Services

Supply Chain Services provides logistics services to healthcare companies, pharmacies and hospitals in the UK and Ireland. In February 2014, we disposed of the Specials business, which has adversely impacted the profitability of the division. Despite challenging market conditions, trading in the three months to June has been solid, with profits flat on the prior period, despite the sale of the Specials business.



The impact of generic substitution in the Republic of Ireland has been as expected in the quarter although the adverse impact of "direct to pharmacy" schemes has been higher than anticipated in this market.



Sharp Packaging Services

Sharp Packaging Services is a leading international provider of pharmaceutical packaging services with facilities in the US and Europe. Overall trading during the quarter has been strong and profits are well ahead of the prior period.



Positive momentum in Sharp US has continued from the second quarter with both revenues and profits well ahead of the prior period. Sharp Europe made a small operating loss in the three months to June. There continues to be a healthy pipeline of new business across both the US and Europe.



We continue to add further capacity to our packaging facilities in the US to meet this increasing demand. The first phase of the capacity expansion programme at our Allentown facility in Pennsylvania was completed earlier this year and will provide 10% extra capacity. The Board has recently approved a second phase of expansion to this facility which will add an additional 25% to our US capacity. This project is expected to be phased over a 4-5 year timeframe, with anticipated investment costs of €35m.



Investment for future growth

We have continued to make significant investments in our information technology systems. We have also continued to broaden our management depth and expertise across the Group as we expand internationally. In particular, we have enhanced our central information technology, compliance and marketing functions.



Outlook

Based on the underlying trading performance we reiterate our previous guidance that we expect constant currency adjusted diluted earnings per share1 for the year to 30 September 2014 to be between 5% and 9% ahead of last year.



The Group also expects to deliver a good underlying cashflow performance for the year.



1 before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and non-recurring costs associated with acquisition and divestment activity





Conference Call

UDG Healthcare plc will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 8.00am (GMT) today, 7 August 2014 to discuss this statement. The dial-in details are as follows:




Standard International Access

+44 (0) 20 3003 2666


UK Toll Free

0808 109 0700


Ireland

+353 (0) 1 800 930 488


Password

UDG Healthcare




A playback facility will be available for seven days on +44 (0) 20 8196 1998 (UK and International) or + 353 (0) 1 486 4035 (Ireland). The access code for the replay will be 9276511.



2014 Reporting Timetable



The Group will issue preliminary results for the 12 months to 30 September 2014 on 20 November 2014.



Forward Looking Statements



This Statement contains certain forward-looking statements. They represent expectations for the Group's business, and involve risks and uncertainties. The Group has based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events. The Group believes that expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which in some cases are beyond the Group's control, actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.



ENDS

Preliminary Results



2014 Financial highlights





· Adjusted operating profit growth of 9% in the year.

· Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 8%.

· Net debt/EBITDA reduced from 2.13 times to 1.89 times.

· Proposed 7% increase in final dividend to 7.43 cent per share, giving a total dividend for the year of 10.12 cent per share, a 6% increase on 2013.


· Conclusion of an updated bank debt facility for €210 million giving the Group access to committed funding until November 2019.






2014 Strategic & operating highlights





· Very strong growth continued in the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services division, with operating profits up 32% in the year, including acquisitions.

· Ashfield became a global leader in healthcare communications with the acquisition of KnowledgePoint360 (€106 million) and Galliard (€16 million).

· Operating profit in the Sharp Packaging Services division increased 22% on the prior year, as the European business made a modest profit in the year.

· Significant capacity expansion initiated for Sharp US.

· Disposal of 50% interest in UniDrug to our joint venture partner Alliance Boots for €82.4 million and disposal of the Specials businesses for €27.4 million. Both disposals will enable greater focus on developing the Group's core businesses.

· Organic growth and acquisitions resulted in the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services division becoming the Group's largest operating profit division in 2014.



http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4926852

2 Dec N+1 Singer 395.00 Buy

IC The ftse 350 review - Healthcare equipment and servs


Favourite - This sector is full of quality businesses, which can make the ratings seem punchy. UDG Healthcare, even though the shares took off towards the end of 2014, UDG has boosted growth and carved out a niche position in the healthcare sector.

1st Quarter Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 8340D
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
03 February 2015

UDG HEALTHCARE PLC



FIRST QUARTER TRADING UPDATE



Strong Start to the Year and Full Year Guidance Issued





3 February 2015:

UDG Healthcare plc ("the Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services issues the following trading update covering the period from 1 October to 31 December 2014. The company will hold its Annual General Meeting in Dublin at 12.00pm today.



Quarter to 31 December 2014



Group



The Group has made a strong start to the year with trading for the quarter to 31 December 2014 well ahead of the prior year.



Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services



Trading has again been strong, with operating profit well ahead of the same period last year. Operating profit growth was particularly strong within the healthcare communications business, which benefitted from the acquisitions made during 2014. As anticipated, the US medical services business (pharmacovigilance and "market access") had a weaker performance relative to a very strong comparable quarter, whilst the European CSO business performed strongly in the period.



Supply Chain Services



Operating profits in United Drug have been impacted broadly as anticipated by the recent changes in the Irish wholesale market and are behind the same period last year. The 2014 disposal of the Specials business and our interest in the UniDrug joint venture has reduced the overall profitability of the division for the quarter. Aquilant performed well in the period with operating profit ahead of 2014. Overall, the trading of this division was satisfactory in the quarter.



Sharp Packaging Services



Sharp had a strong start to the year with the positive Sharp US performance in the second half of 2014 continuing into 2015. Sharp Europe improved slightly but continues to face challenges. Divisional operating profits in the first quarter are significantly ahead of the prior year.

During the quarter we initiated the second phase of the capacity expansion programme at our Allentown facility in Pennsylvania, with the building acquisition now completed. We anticipate this will become operational in late 2016.



Restructuring Costs



The Group anticipates recognising an exceptional charge in 2015. The charge relates to: restructuring of the healthcare communications business following acquisitions in FY 2014, restructuring within the United Drug supply chain business which was carried out in the first quarter and further cost reductions through restructuring across other parts of the Group.





Outlook



Based on the underlying trading performance to date and an expected 2% 2015 restructuring benefit, we expect constant currency adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS)1 for the year to 30 September 2015 to be between 5% and 8% ahead of last year. If current exchange rates are sustained for the year, reported EPS will be higher than this range.



The Group reports in euro and its profits benefit from the strengthening US dollar and pound sterling exchange rates as over 70% of Group profits are now in these currencies. The average 2014 exchange rates were €1 = £0.82 and $1.36.



The Group also expects to deliver a good underlying cashflow performance for the year. When combined with modest debt levels relative to earnings and significant financing facilities, this continues to leave the Group well positioned to support its future growth objectives both organically and through acquisition.





[1] before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, exceptional charges and non-recurring costs associated with acquisition and divestment activity

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

3 Feb Berenberg 425.00 Hold
3 Feb Jefferies... 400.00 Buy
3 Feb N+1 Singer N/A Buy
3 Feb Investec 387.00 Hold

UDG Healthcare hikes earnings guidance

Tue, 03 February 2015

UDG Healthcare hikes earnings guidance



UDG Healthcare Public Limited Company Quote more

Price: 413.80

Chg: 17.10

Chg %: 4.31%

Date: 16:20



FTSE 250 Quote


Price: 16,563.41 Chg: 207.85 Chg %: 1.27% Date: 16:20

Irish medical outsourcing group UDG Healthcare has raised its earnings targets for 2015 after a strong first quarter.
The FTSE 250 company said, based on trading in the three months to the end of December and what it now thinks will be a 2% benefit from last year's restructuring, it expects earnings per share (EPS) will be at least between 5% and 8% ahead of last year's, and perhaps even higher if current exchange rates prevail.

Broker Berenberg said by its estimates, the new earnings guidance implied an adjusted EPS growth range of 10-13% at current exchange rates, which was circa 5-8% ahead of current consensus forecasts.

The Ashfield business process outsourcing division, which provides everything from sales and market research to nurse training and pharmacovigilance, continued to enjoyed strong trading and operating profits were said to be "well ahead" of the same period last year, particularly thanks to the healthcare communications business after two acquisitions last year.

Sharp packaging had a strong start to the year, but the embattled supply chain arm was behind the same period last year, hampered by recent changes in the Irish wholesale market, and expected to endure a difficult year.

UDG Healthcare PLC (UDG:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 417.50. Over this period, the share price is up 19.91%.

Director Deals - UDG Healthcare PLC (UDG)
BFN
Brendan McAtamney, Executive Director, bought 50,000 shares in the company on the 3rd February 2015 at a price of 410.00p. The Director now holds 50,000 shares.

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Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com
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4 Feb N+1 Singer 410.00 Hold

10 Feb Jefferies... 476.00 Buy

Half yearly report

14 May Berenberg 515.00 Hold
14 May Investec N/A Hold
14 May N+1 Singer 550.00 Hold

Questor-share-tip-UDG-Healthcare-changes-profit-gears.

31 Jul Davy Research N/A Outperform

Q3 Trading Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 2312V
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
06 August 2015





UDG HEALTHCARE PLC



THIRD QUARTER TRADING UPDATE



Strong Trading in the Third Quarter and Full Year Guidance Reiterated





6 August 2015:

UDG Healthcare plc ("the Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services issues the following trading update covering the period from 1 April 2015 to 30 June 2015.





Nine months to 30 June 2015



Group revenues and adjusted operating profits1 for the nine months to 30 June 2015 are significantly ahead of the same period last year. Profit growth in the nine months to June has been driven by the strong performance of both the Sharp Packaging Services division (Sharp) and the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services division (Ashfield). In addition, reported Group profitability has benefited from currency movements.



Quarter to 30 June 2015



Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services



Trading continues to be strong, with operating profit well ahead of the same quarter last year. The trading performance across Ashfield in the quarter was consistent with the first six months of the year, with robust profit growth in Healthcare Communications and the European commercial businesses.



During the quarter we sold the non-core Speakers Bureau business which we acquired as part of the KnowledgePoint360 acquisition in 2014.



Sharp Packaging Services



Divisional operating profits in the third quarter are significantly ahead of the prior year. The strong Sharp US performance in the first half of 2015 continued into the third quarter as we continue to benefit from increased demand in bottling, biotech and new packaging formats. The expansion of the Allentown campus in Pennsylvania is proceeding on plan, with the first phase of packaging suites due to become operational in the second half of 2016.



Sharp Europe improved on the prior year and made a small trading loss in the period. We continue to re-align the Sharp Europe cost base with current business activity, while maintaining appropriate capacity for expected business growth.

The dispute in respect of the September 2013 demand for $15m under a purported guarantee by Sharp Clinical Services (UK) Limited in relation to a bond issued in 2010 by its previous owner Bilcare Limited, is no longer being pursued by the bondholders, bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

Supply Chain Services



United Drug performed in line with expectations in the quarter. Aquilant performed well in the period with operating profit ahead of 2015. Overall divisional operating profits were behind the same quarter last year due to the disposal of our interest in the UniDrug joint venture in 2014.





Outlook



We are reiterating our guidance for constant currency adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS)2 for the year to 30 September 2015 of between 7% and 9% ahead of last year.



The average 2014 financial year exchange rates were €1 = £0.8194 and $1.3574. Based on the average exchange rates for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 of €1 = £0.7518 and $1.1615, the reported EPS growth is expected to be in the range of 18% to 20%, up from the previously guided range of 16% to 18%.



We expect an exceptional charge of approximately €15m in 2015 (€11m of which is a cash charge), at the upper end of our previously guided range of €13m to €15m. The charge primarily relates to the integration of the 2014 acquired healthcare communications business, the closure of Aquilant's UK laboratory distribution business and the re-aligning of Sharp Europe.



The Group also expects to deliver a good underlying cashflow performance for the year. When combined with modest debt levels relative to earnings and significant financing facilities, this continues to leave the Group well positioned to support its future growth objectives both organically and through acquisition.



1 before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition costs and exceptional items

2 before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition costs and exceptional items (net of tax).

6 Aug N+1 Singer 550.00 Hold
6 Aug Jefferies... 600.00 Buy
6 Aug Goodbody N/A Buy

IC - UDG shares don't boast a cheap rating , but the company does boast enticing prospects . As regulatory change comes closer , it should become increasingly apparent that this is a company in the right place at the right time and share price should benefit.

Proposed sale and leadership transition
RNS
RNS Number : 4779Z
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
18 September 2015



NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION (IN WHOLE OR IN PART) IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 September 2015




UDG Healthcare PLC

Proposed Sale of United Drug Supply Chain Businesses and MASTA to McKesson Corporation

Leadership Transition Announced



Key highlights

n UDG Healthcare PLC, a leading international healthcare services provider, announces that it has entered into a conditional agreement for the sale of certain assets, including:

- United Drug Supply Chain Services businesses[1] that form part of UDG Healthcare's Supply Chain Services Division; and

- MASTA Business, which forms part of the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services Division,

to McKesson, for an aggregate cash consideration of €407.5 million on a cash and debt free basis.

n The Disposal is consistent with Group strategy to focus on its higher growth, higher margin international healthcare services businesses and progresses the Group's transformation to a more focused international healthcare services business

n The Disposed Businesses will be better positioned to prosper under the ownership of McKesson, a leading international wholesale and retail group

n The Continuing Group is extremely well positioned to develop and strengthen existing market positions in Ashfield, Aquilant and Sharp, and capitalise on the increasing demand for their services

n The net proceeds from the Disposal will facilitate increased investment in higher growth areas both organically and via acquisition. A portion of the net proceeds will be used to repay part of the Group's outstanding debt

n Leadership Transition as CEO, Liam FitzGerald, announces plans to retire in March 2016 and Board nominates COO, Brendan McAtamney, as his successor.



Commenting on the Disposal, Peter Gray, Chairman of UDG Healthcare said:

"Today's announcement is the culmination of 15 years of strategic development by the Group. It gives us the resources to continue building our higher margin, higher growth divisions, while placing our legacy United Drug Supply Chain Services business in the ownership of a global leader who will bring new opportunities and strengths to that business, its staff and its customers, to whom we extend our thanks for their long standing loyalty."

The Disposal constitutes a Class 1 transaction for the purpose of the Listing Rules and is conditional upon, inter alia, the approval of Shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting and, the approval from the applicable regulatory authorities. The transaction is anticipated to complete by 31 March 2016.

A circular containing further details of the Disposal, including the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting to seek Shareholders' approval for the Disposal, is expected to be sent to Shareholders shortly. The General Meeting is to be held at 12 noon on 13 October 2015 at The Clyde Court Hotel, Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland.

CEO Transition

Following the negotiation of this transaction, Liam FitzGerald, the Group Chief Executive Officer since 2000, has informed the Board that he plans to retire on March 31 2016 after 23 years with Company. Having been aware over the last number of years of Mr. FitzGerald's early retirement aspirations, the Board has been actively involved in succession planning and has nominated Brendan McAtamney, Group Chief Operating Officer since 2013, as his successor.

"It has been my privilege to lead this company for 15 exciting years," said Mr FitzGerald, "and I believe now is the right time for new leadership to take the Company forward. Since 2000 we have been on a journey to transform the Group and move into new higher-growth outsourced pharmaceutical service areas and geographies. Today's announcement marks the completion of that transformation, albeit subject to shareholder approval. It's a good time to pass of the baton to Brendan, and to move to a different phase in my career."

The Board has asked Mr FitzGerald, and he has agreed, after 31 March 2016 to remain as a consultant and a director until 30 September 2016 to support the transition, and to continue to provide his experience to the Company as it invests further in its key services.

"Liam has achieved what very few CEOs have successfully done, and transitioned the Company over a long period and through difficult times from its original core business into new and growing service areas and geographies," said Chairman, Peter Gray. "He has been very transparent with the Board regarding his aspirations, and has ensured we have a strong succession plan in place. Brendan McAtamney, who joined us in 2013 with broad pharmaceutical and international market experience, has been a great addition to the team, and we are delighted to have him ready to step forward for a seamless transition".

Director Deals - UDG Healthcare PLC (UDG)
BFN
Linda Wilding, Non Executive Director, bought 19,304 shares in the company on the 28th September 2015 at a price of 508.00p. The Director now holds 19,304 shares.

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Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com

16 Oct Berenberg 515.00 Hold