Almirall reinforces its presence in Europe by opening a new affiliate in the United Kingdom

•The pharmaceutical market in the United Kingdom is ranked fifth in the world and third in Europe

•Almirall UK offers a product portfolio made up of eleven medicines

Barcelona, 31 January 2008.- Almirall, the international pharmaceutical company based in Spain, continues with its international expansion by opening a new affiliate in the United Kingdom. Following the rapid granting by UK authorities of all the permits and authorizations required to operate in the country, Almirall UK will start operations immediately. This will enable Almirall to further reinforce its positioning in the European market where, besides Spain, it already has affiliates in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Portugal, plus Austria through the acquisition of the Hermal operations.

With its headquarters near London, Almirall Ltd. is starting up with a staff of 50 people and will also be responsible for Ireland. It is anticipated that in 2008 the affiliate will achieve sales revenues of around 30 million euros.

The pharmaceutical market in the United Kingdom is ranked fifth in the world and third in Europe in terms of turnover.

Luciano Conde, Chief Executive Operating Officer, sums up: "Opening this affiliate in the United Kingdom is another clear example of Almirall’s internationalisation process, which is primarily based on strengthening our direct presence in Europe. Following this strategy, we are confident of expanding our international sales in 2008.

Portfolio of 11 medicines

Almirall’s proprietary research and development (R&D) products, along with those from the company’s recent acquisitions, will constitute this affiliate’s core product portfolio.

Following the completion of the Shire product portfolio and the Hermal acquisitions, the Almirall UK focus will be dermatological diseases, with its most relevant products being those indicated to treat keratosis actinica: Solaraze, and facial hirsutism: Vaniqa, eczema and skin infections: Balneum, Balneum Plus, and Unguentum; acne: Aknemicin, and Aknemicin plus; and lastly Curatodermforpsoriasis.

Almirall UK will also be commercialising Almirall’s R&D products such us the anti-inflammatory Preservex (aceclofenac) and Almogran (almotriptan) for the treatment of migraine.All products will be marketed under the Almirall umbrella.

Almirall

Almirall, an international pharmaceutical company committed to health, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people’s health and wellbeing.

The therapeutic areas on which Almirall focuses its research resources are related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Almirall is currently present in over 80 countries with direct presence in Europe and Latin America.

Para más información:

Ketchum/SEIS

Sonia San Segundo / Victoria Hernández

sonia.sansegundo@ketchum.com

victoria.hernandez@ketchum.com

Tel.: 91 788 32 00