UPPSALA, Sweden, April 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) --
-- Biacore's first quarter sales showed strong recovery
increasing by 22% to SEK 116.0 million (95.4). Sales in
Asia-Pacific grew by 236% due to the continuing recovery
in the important Japanese market and increased demand
from emerging markets such as China. The growth in
Asia-Pacific more than offset lower sales in Europe
and the Americas. Excluding the effect of exchange rates,
total sales increased by 26%.
-- Operating income for the first quarter rebounded strongly
to SEK 13.9 million (-1.4) due to the much improved sales
figure and lower R&D spending.
-- Net income for the first quarter amounted to SEK 12.0 million
(-1.0). Diluted earnings per share were SEK 1.24 (-0.08).
-- Biacore extended its leading global position in the field
of protein interaction analysis with the launch of
Biacore(R)T100 in February. The market reception to this
new system has been very positive.
-- Biacore's product line was extended further in March with
the acquisition of FLEXChip System and technology from
HTS BioSystems Inc. This acquisition is in line with Biacore's
strategy of looking for complementary external growth
opportunities.
-- In February, Biacore appointed Mr. Terry Pizzie as
Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations.
-- Biacore maintains its previous outlook for the full-year
2005: Biacore anticipates achieving an increase in sales
and returning to historic levels of profitability
with variations between the quarters.
-- As from January 1, 2005, Biacore uses IFRS (International
Financial Reporting Standards). Prior year amounts have
been restated accordingly.
For further information, please contact:
Erik Wallden, President and CEO Phone +41 (0)79 769 4542 Lars-Olov Forslund, CFO Phone +41 (0)79 347 9900 Jan Isoz, Investor Relations Phone +46 (0)708 10 31 17
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