Celesio records steady growth in Ireland

CELESIO, the drug distribution company, has reported steady growth in its Irish operations so far this year.

The Stuttgart-based group owns the Cahill May Roberts drugs wholesaler here as well as the Unicare chain of pharmacies.

Cahill May Roberts reported an 18.3% year-on-year rise in first-half revenues to €144.7 million. One of the company’s biggest contracts is with Boots, a link-up which has been reportedly under threat from chief rival United Drug. Cahill May Roberts had full-year revenues of €255.4 million last year. The wholesale business serves 1,100 retail pharmacy shops and 200 hospitals in Ireland and acts as the national distributor for about 30 international companies

Meanwhile, the Unicare chain recorded revenues of €57.8m for the first half of this year, up by 6.2% on the same period in 2005. Full-year revenues for the division fell last year from €113.9m to €112.3m after the closure of three stores.

Overall, Celesio reported a 10.1% rise in pre-tax profits to €291.4m, a 14.4% increase in net profit to €206.8m and a 5.5% year-on-year jump in revenues to €10.6 billion. Group EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose by 8% to €390.4m.