Nomeco

Total pharmaceutical sales in Denmark during February–April 2009 were EUR 511 (484) million in PPP, which represents an increase of 6% at CER compared to the same period in the previous year. The growth is driven by hospital sales (up nearly 15% compared to last year); the pharmacy sector is not growing.

A factor contributing to the halt of the pharmacy market growth are the prices of generics, which remain at a record-low level. A price-stop agreement on original pharmaceuticals has been extended until January 2010. The market growth in the pharmacy sector is expected to stay at a very low level during the full-year 2009/10.

Nomeco’s net sales during February–April were EUR 394 (398) million, a decrease of 1.2%. The decrease is caused by a lower pre-wholesale turnover; the wholesale turnover is up by approximately 1%. Several measures were taken to streamline the operations by, for example, offering discounts to pharmacies accepting one-time delivery per day.

Nomeco maintained its strong market position in Denmark with a market share well above 70%. The company employed an average of 561 (630) people, down from last year as a consequence of the sale of a subsidiary company.