United Drug profits up 15%

UNITED Drug profits rose 15% in the first half of its financial year as tight cost control offset lower than expected revenues.

The drugs and medical equipment distributor said pre-tax profits in the six months to the end of March were €22.3 million up from €19.4m last year. Turnover was up 3% to €633.9m, lower than some analysts forecasts.

Chief executive Liam FitzGerald said yesterday it was good six months, with all four trading divisions doing well.