2005 Annual report - Virbac

29
Management
report
2005
Virbac saw renewed growth in 2005 with sales up 6% (4.9% at constant exchange rates).
This performance is partly down to advances by Virbac in the companion animal
segment where it grew by 7.5% at constant exchange rates, but also to further growth
in the food producing animal segment which rose by +2.2%. Group sales moreover
grew in all geographic areas.
Major events during
the year:
◆ The registration and launch of important products,
particularly in Europe with Virbamec ® D in France (bovine
parasiticide) and Rilexine ® in palatable tablets in France,
the United Kingdom and Germany (cephalexin-based
antibiotic for cats and dogs);
◆ The launch in France at the end of September of a full
range of ivermectin-based products (bovine and equine
parasiticide);
◆ The acquisition of Zoforos, long-term Virbac distributor
in Greece, enabling the Group to strengthen its positions
in the Greek market;
◆ The continuation of the lean manufacturing project in
production with the implementation of a pull system and
performance indicators on the machinery. The project
resulted in a rise in productivity;
◆ The resolution of the difficulties encountered by the US
subsidiary Virbac Corporation following the accounting
and stock market crisis at the end of 2003. Virbac Corp.
filed its financial statements for 2001, 2002 and 2003