Actavis takes Romanian drugs to Australia and Japan

Actavis drug producer, which owns the former Sindan plant acquired in a deal worth almost 150m euros in 2006, expects exports of 5 or 6m euros to the US market this year, which could become the company's biggest export market. In 2009, exports to this market were insignificant. "In terms of exports, we expect 15-20% growth this year, while with the rest of projections we're cautious because of regulations," said Alina Culcea, general manager of Actavis Romania. The company last year generated turnover worth more than 107m euros domestically, down from 2008 as a result of the sliding market share and of the arrival of new players, and for 2010 the company has budgeted flat turnover. Actavis' exports in 2009 reached 28m euros and targeted areas such as the US, Japan, the EU, Australia, and South Africa. "Last year, we had a 10-15% profit margin, but in 2010 we'll be hurt by current measures and we have more cautious projections, of around 10%," Culcea also said. In 2010, the plant has earmarked investments worth around 2.5m euros in upgrading as it operates at over 80% of its capacity.