Pre-close trading statement

Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc 14 December 2007 Pre-close trading statement LONDON, 14 December 2007 - Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC ('Hikma') (LSE: HIK) (DIFX: HIK), the multinational pharmaceuticals group, announces that it has seen strong growth in the year to date and continues to expect to deliver full year revenue growth of close to 40%. Excluding the acquisitions of Ribosepharm, Thymoorgan and Alkan Pharma ('Alkan'), we expect to deliver organic revenue growth in the mid 20% range. We expect gross margin for the Group will be close to 50%. The Branded business, which is a market leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has been performing particularly well and is expected to deliver revenue growth in the mid 40% range for the full year. This has been driven by strong organic growth across all the MENA markets, as well as by the full year's contribution from JPI, the Saudi-based business that became a wholly owned subsidiary in the second half of 2006, and Alkan, our recent acquisition in Egypt. The Injectables business has also maintained a strong performance in the second half of the year and we currently expect this business to deliver strong organic sales growth in the mid 20% range and close to 80% growth including acquisitions. We are very pleased to announce that our new cephalosporin plant in Portugal has now been accepted by the FDA for exports to the US market. We expect the Generic business to deliver single digit sales growth in 2007, compared to 2006, driven by higher volumes and the contribution from new product launches. As expected this growth has been achieved at lower prices, which reflect the more competitive market environment. Irrespective of the outcome of any future solicitation for the supply of the Lisinopril, we expect to maintain 2007 Generic sales levels in 2008 driven by new and recent product launches, but expect further pressure on margins. Commenting on the Group's performance, Said Darwazah, CEO said, 'Hikma is performing well and we expect 2007 will be another year of strong growth, particularly in the MENA region and in Injectables. We are pleased with the ongoing development of the Group and are excited about the opportunities that we have created this year through the acquisitions of APM, our two new oncology businesses and Alkan, and look forward to continued growth in 2008.' Hikma will enter its close period on 12 January 2008 ahead of the announcement of its results for the twelve months ending 31 December 2007, which will be made on 12 March 2008. - ENDS - Enquiries: Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC Susan Ringdal +44 20 7399 2760 Investor Relations Director Brunswick Group Jon Coles / Justine McIlroy / Alex Tweed +44 20 7404 5959 About Hikma Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a fast growing multinational group focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of both branded and non-branded generic and in-licensed products. Hikma operates through three businesses: 'Branded', 'Injectables' and 'Generics', based principally in the Middle East and North Africa ('MENA'), where it is a market leader and sells across 18 countries, the United States and Europe. In 2006, Hikma achieved revenues of $317 million (2005 $262 million) and profit attributable to shareholders was $55 million (2005 $44 million). At 31 December 2006, the Group had over 2,400 employees. For news and other information, please visit www.hikma.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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