PRG.L Regulatory News (PRG)

15 Jun 2005 07:00

Premier Research Group15 June 2005 For Immediate Release 15 June 2005 Premier Research Group plc Maiden AGM Statement Premier Research Group plc (AIM: PRG) ("Premier" or "Company"), theinternational pharmaceutical services group, is holding its maiden AnnualGeneral Meeting at 10.30am today. At the meeting, Chairman, Geoffrey Forster,will make the following statement: "After our successful flotation on AIM in December 2004, followed by theCompany's maiden Preliminary results in April, Premier has made a positive startto the new financial year. "The last 12 months showed good organic growth with the Company delivering onits key milestones, as outlined at the time of its IPO. The new financial yearputs Premier back on the acquisition trail with last week announcing thesuccessful acquisition of EPA Euro Pharma. "The acquisition is earnings enhancing and provides Premier with a solid base tocapitalise on market opportunities in Germany, Europe's second largestoutsourcing market. The acquisition, which was combined with a £2.75 millioninstitutional placing, also demonstrates shareholders support for themanagement's growth strategy for the business and our focus on providinglong-term value for our shareholders. "Trading in the new financial year has been encouraging with both new clientwins and repeat business and our current order book stands at over £23 million. "The Board is confident of the prospects for the coming year and we will remainactive in looking for strategic acquisitions which are earnings enhancing andwhich provide complementary synergies with Premier's existing business. Afurther update on our progress will be given at the time of our Interim Resultsdue to be released in October." For further information, please contact:Premier Research Group plc Tel: 01344 458311Dr Simon Yaxley, Chief Executive Tel: 01344 458309Bernard Gallagher, Chief Financial OfficerBuchanan Communications Tel: 020 7466 5000Lisa Baderoon / Rebecca Skye DietrichNotes to editors:About Premier ResearchPremier Research is a growing contract research organisation (CRO) involved inthe design and execution of clinical trials (Phases II-IV) on behalf ofpharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Premier is established in threetherapeutic areas - oncology, CNS (central nervous system) and anti-infectives -with a strong underlying expertise in paediatrics. Through a focused approach toclinical management, the company has built a reputation with its customers fordelivery of its services, and has demonstrated organic growth following itsrecent acquisitions. Premier has also established itself as an activeparticipant in the consolidation activity within the sector. Premier ResearchGroup plc (PRG) listed on AIM on 3 December 2004. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange