Net profit increased by more than 50%

Despite major challenges during the first half year the Galenica Group managed to present a very positive result: net sales climbed to CHF 1,338.7 million (+8.3%) leading to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of CHF 232.0 million(+139.4%). Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) soared by 57.7% to CHF 124.1 million. The integration of Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation into the newly formed Vifor Pharma is on track. The launch of Ferinject® in Switzerland started with tremendous success. Galexis is just about to move into its new distribution centre in Niederbipp.GaleniCare's pharmacy network was expanded by another 27 locations. Galenica expects its consolidated earnings to grow by approximately 40% in full-year 2008.

Galenica Group: Challenges mastered, consolidated earnings for 2008 expected to grow by approximately 40%

During the first half year the Galenica Group continued to push its strategic and operative key projects consistently. All the projects are under way as planned but are also tying up a large amount of resources. Despite this fact, the Galenica Group was able to compile a very positive result. With net sales of CHF 1,338.7 million the Group managed to increase them by 8.3% compared to the same period of 2007. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 139.4% to CHF 232.0 million while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by 57.7% to CHF 124.1 million. Finally, the group profit soared by 52.1% to CHF 105.1 million. In the first half-year 2008, the investments in tangible assets - such as the construction of the new distribution centre in Niederbipp and the expansion of production capacity in St. Gallen - and intangible assets summed up to CHF 30.9 million.(Reed more from the attached file)