Apokjeden

Total pharmaceutical sales in Norway during February–April 2009 were EUR 480 (519) million in PPP. In local currency, this represents an increase of 2% compared to the same period in the previous year. The growth was driven by sales in hospital pharmacies; the sales of prescription medicines by private pharmacies decreased by 2%. This negative growth is due to government-initiated price reductions combined with an increased share of generics. The declining prescription sales were compensated by growth in sales of commodities and OTC medication, but also this growth was lower than in the previous years.

Apokjeden Group’s February–April net sales amounted to EUR 176 (188) million. In local currency, the sales increased by 3.8%. Two pharmacies were acquired, and Apokjeden now owns 224 pharmacies. The average market share of Apokjeden was 35%. The company employed an average of 2,167 (2,008) people.

In the Norwegian consumer barometer, Apokjeden’s pharmacy chain Apotek 1 was ranked as the fourth best company and the best pharmacy chain when examining customer satisfaction. The study evaluates customer satisfaction with 180 companies in over 30 industries. In 2008, Apotek 1 was ranked number 5.

Lars Birkeland succeeded Øyvind Winther as Managing Director of Apokjeden as of 1 February 2009.