United Drug profits leap 21%

Pharmaceutical wholesale group United Drug has reported pre-tax profits of €19.4m for the six months to the end of March , an increase of 21% on the same period a year earlier.

Sales were up to €617.5m, an increase of 15% over the first half of 2003. Earnings per share grew by 17% to 7.29 cent and a 16% higher interim dividend of 1.32 cent has been declared.