United Drug reports 'strong growth'

United Drug has issued an encouraging report for the year so far.

The drugs firm reported strong growth in all four of its divisions in the six months to the end of March.

Its trading statement said operating profits and earnings were forecast to show double digit percentage growth over the same period last year.

In its pharmaceutical wholesale business, the company said it had managed a change to a new agreement on drug prices, which came into effect on March 1, 'very well'.

It said it expected the first-half strength to continue in the second half.