Ireland-based United Drug, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has changed its name to UDG Healthcare in a move which will help the group market its services more effectively to international companies.
As result of the rebrand, UDG says its restructuring “establishes the four distinct areas of expertise, each representing the group’s core strengths”. Specifically, these are Aquilant Specialist Healthcare Services, Ashfield Commercial and Medical Services, Sharp Packaging Services and United Drug Supply Chain Services.
The company states that “from its origins as an Irish distribution business, the new brand reflects the group’s significant diversification, growth and internationalisation”. The UDG businesses offer a whole range of services, such as outsourced sales, marketing and distribution; Ashfield’s offerings, for example, include business intelligence, training, nursing services and pharmacovigilance.
UDG chief executive Liam FitzGerald said that “our ambition is to be the partner of choice for the world’s leading healthcare companies, and the rebranding brings us one step closer to achieving that goal”. He added that it will help existing and potential customers “better understand the breath of services we offer, enhance our opportunities for business development and allow us to better manage the integration of companies we acquire in the future”.
UDG, which entered the FTSE 250 in December, had revenues of 1.80 billion euros in 2012, while operating profit reached 67.6 million euros.
