United Drug outlines 5-year growth plan

United Drug aims to double its earnings over the next five years, while increasing the growing internationalisation of its business.

The Dublin-headquartered healthcare services group — which has spent around $140m on international acquisitions this summer — has seen its annual profit contribution from its Irish operations recede from 50% to approximately 25% in the past six years and US contribution go from zero to 30% in the same timeframe.

In 2007 the company was mainly focused on Ireland and Britain, however, North America and continental Europe are now growing parts of the business.