Lek Pleased with Business Operations in 2001

27. 3. 2002

Ljubljana, March 27 – The Slovenian pharmaceutical company Lek exceeded expectations and projected goals for the year 2001. Accordingly, the Executive Board, meeting on March 21, 2002, proposed to pay dividends to its shareholders.

In spite of the unusually challenging and dynamic macro-economic environment, and the global economic recession, Lek concluded the year 2001 successfully. Among other issues, the members of the Executive Board discussed profit distribution at their meeting on March 21, and proposed to pay dividends to shareholders for the year 2001.

Lek d.d’s net profit amounted to SIT 7.6 billion, and the Lek Group’s net profit was SIT 8.2 billion. The Board decided to submit to the shareholders’ meeting that part of this profit, in the amount of SIT 2 ˝ billion, will go to reserves. They designated the dividend amount and the amount for the profit-sharing plan, while the remaining profit remains undistributed. SIT 2.2 billion was the total proposed for dividend payments and SIT 145 million for the profit sharing plan. The proposed dividend per class A- and B- shares is SIT 1200, the preferential dividend per class B- share is SIT 180.

The Executive Board’s proposals still need to be ratified at the shareholders’ meeting, which will probably take place in June 2002.

These financial results are the fruits of the whole Lek Group’s focus on a market orientation, a high degree of internationalization of the business, a responsible accountability for expenses, greater business innovation, as well as the great commitment and the exceptional efforts of all employees.

In a very competitive global environment, Lek took advantage of market opportunities and established a solid foundation for continued growth.

This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.

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For additional information, please contact: Miša Komar – Žiberna, Lek’s Corporate Communications Telephone: + 386 1 580 22 43