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 Thursday November 29 2001
Numico: completed sale of it's Dairy & Drinks Group
Royal Numico N.V. confirms that on Thursday, 29 November 2001, the sale of its Dairy & Drinks Group to Friesland Coberco, which was announced earlier this year, was formally completed.

Wednesday November 7 2001
Net profit Numico before amortisation of goodwill Q3 2001 EUR 77 mln
Royal Numico expects this year a significant growth in sales and cash earnings (net profit before amortisation of goodwill) to approximate Numico's peak year 2000. Sales and cash earnings were last year respectively at EUR 3,807 mln (continued operations) and EUR 376 mln. As announced in the press release of 1 October 2001 sales in the 3rd quarter increase by 1% to EUR 1,061 mln.

Tuesday October 2 2001
Numico falls to three-year low
Shares in Numico fell nearly 25% yesterday to their lowest level in three years after it issued a profit warning following a sales slump exacerbated by the terrorist attacks on the US. The company said it was "uncertain" if it would meet its 15% earnings growth target this year given steep declines in US vitamin sales.

Monday October 1 2001
Numico: Preliminary information Q3 2001
Royal Numico provides this preliminary information for the 3rd quarter earlier than anticipated due to the current circumstances in the USA. Full quarterly reporting, including profit and loss account, balance sheet and other financial details will be released on 7 November 2001 before trading. The supplements business in the USA is facing a slowdown since the attacks on September 11th.

Friday August 31 2001
Payment of interim divident 2001 Numico
Royal Numico N.V. announces that the exchange rate for payment of the interim dividend in stock has been determined at 1 (one) new certificate of share of EUR 0.25 for 104 existing certificates of shares. The cash dividend amounts to EUR 0.40 per certificate of share. The interim dividend will be payable as of 3 September 2001.

Tuesday August 28 2001
Nutritional supplements Numico in USA in compliance with quality standards
Recent publications suggest that out-of-date products from GNC have been placed in the market deliberately. These allegations are totally unjust and are based on statements of former employees of GNC. All GNC products are clearly labelled with an expiration date. Even though it is not required by law or any regulatory structure, GNC voluntarily does so in order to guarantee the maximum quality of the product.

Wednesday August 22 2001
Numico rebuts allegations
Numico denied allegations that its US food supplement unit General Nutrition Companies (GNC) sold out-of-date products to boost profits after a complaint was filed in Florida. Elvira Luykx, speaking for Numico, denied charges that GNC put expired products back on the shelves to improve profits. "I really deny that we would ever do such a thing.

Thursday July 19 2001
EU seeks comments on Friesland Coberco acquisition of Numico unit
The European Commission said it is seeking comments on Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holding NV's acquisition of Koninklijke Numico unit Nutricia Dairy and Drinks group. Friesland Coberco is controlled by the Dutch dairy cooperative Zuivelcooperatie De Zeven Provincien UA, the commission said. The Nutricia division develops and produces a range of branded dairy products, including flavoured dairy drinks and coffee whiteners, it said.

Monday May 28 2001
Numico interested in takeover discussions
Numico has been approached by several investment banks acting for pharmaceutical and food companies keen to enter takeover talks. Their interest was sparked when Hans van der Wielen, Numico chairman, said its share price, which this year has traded as much as one-third below its 12-month high, made it vulnerable to a takeover, adding that it was willing to entertain suitors.

Monday May 14 2001
Numico prepared to give up dependence, says co' attractive financially'
Royal Numico is prepared to give up its independence in exchange for a 'centre of excellence' position within a larger company, according to Numico chief executive officer Hans van der Wielen in an interview with the Financieele Dagblad. The CEO's comments come after Numico's sharp share price decline, which has seen the stock lose a third of its value in six months.

Wednesday March 7 2001
Friesland to buy Nutricia dairy group
Hungary's largest dairy group will change hands as part of an international takeover after the Dutch company Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holding announced on Tuesday that it will purchase the Nutricia dairy group from Royal Numico for EUR 664 mln. As a result of the transaction, Friesland will acquire Nutricia Hungary Dairy Products Group (NMTCS) Kft, which had turnover of HUF 46bn last year.

Tuesday March 6 2001
Numico: Cash earnings 2000 rise by 72.3%
Royal Numico N.V. confirms the preliminary results, released on 22 January 2001. *Sales rose by 83.7% to EUR 4,224 mln (1999: EUR 2,299 mln) *EBITa (earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of goodwill) rose by 95.6% to EUR 661 mln (1999: EUR 338 mln) *Net profit before amortisation of goodwill (cash earnings) rose by 72.3% to EUR 376 mln (1999: EUR 218 mln) *Net profit per share before amortisation of goodwill (ceps) rose by 51.4% to EUR 2.42 (1999: EUR 1.60) *Dividend proposal: EUR 0.88 per share (1999: EUR 0.58), an increase of 51.7% *Dividend payout percentage: 36.3 (1999: 36.3) *Annualised organic growth: 6% The Executive Board announces that the expectation is justified that an agreement will be reached with Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holding N.V.

Thursday February 15 2001
Numico appoints new executive board member
Royal Numico N.V. announced its intention to appoint Mr W.H. Oomens MBA as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Board. Mr Oomens will be appointed at the general meeting of shareholders on 26 April, 2001. Pim Oomens (45) will succeed Mr P. (Philippe) J.M. Misteli RA, who has decided to resign to return to France.

Tuesday February 13 2001
Singapore also buys shares in Numico
The state of Singapore is rapidly raising its investments in Dutch shares. The country acquired a 5% stake in Dutch foods group Numico last week. Singapore so far has made investments worth at least Fl 1.5bn in Dutch shares, including office equipment company Buhrmann, telecoms group Versatel and distribution company Hagemeyer.

Friday February 9 2001
Numico transfers Zonnatura to Wessanen
Numico N.V. announces it is justified to expect to reach an agreement for the transfer of Zonnatura B.V. to Royal Wessanen N.V. The label Zonnatura carries a range of health foods which are marketed in the Netherlands and in Belgium. The jarfood under the label Zonnatura is excluded from the agreement. The sales of Zonnatura amount to approx. NLG 45 mln.

Tuesday January 23 2001
Numico 2000 sales up 84%
Dutch specialised foods group Numico saw its turnover increase by 84% to EUR 4.2 bn (Fl 9.2bn) in the past financial year. The acquisition of US vitamin pills manufacturer Rexall Sundown proved to be profitable. In the sector of food supplements, which includes Rexall Sundown, turnover rose by 259% to EUR 2.3 bn.

Monday January 22 2001
Numico reports preliminary results 2000
Numico achieved sales of EUR 4.2 bn in 2000, an increase of 84 %. Earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation of goodwill (EBITA) rose by 95 % to EUR 660 mln. Cash Earnings (net profit before goodwill amortisation) increased by 72 % to EUR 375 mln (1999: EUR 218). Cash earnings per share rose by 51% to EUR 2.42 (based on an average number of shares of 155 million).

Friday January 12 2001
Numico accused of false health claims for food supplements
The Dutch anti-Charlatanism Association claims that Numico made exaggerated health claims in a national advertising campaign for twelve food supplements. This was stated in a letter to the Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap (NHG, the Dutch general practitioners association) and a number of other organization, including the Consumentenbond (consumer association) and the Reclame Code Commissie (advertising code commission).

Wednesday November 15 2000
Numico wins case against Dr Rath
On 1 November this year, Royal Numico N.V. brought a case against Dr Rath in the Court of Almelo, the Netherlands. Dr Rath has been conducting a smear campaign against the company. Today, 15 November 2000, the Judge ruled an immediate end to these improper allegations against Numico and its wholly-owned US subsidiary Rexall Sundown.

Tuesday October 31 2000
Numico signs letter of intent with Baxter
Today, Royal Numico N.V. announced the signing of a letter of intent with Baxter Healthcare Corporation to negotiate a series of global agreements for distribution of nutritional products for clinical and therapeutic use. In clinical nutrition, there are two types of therapeutic options: parenteral, sometimes referred to as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), is nutrition that is received through intravenous therapy (IV therapy); and, enteral which describes a range of liquid nutritional formulations, given as drinks or via tubes.

Thursday October 26 2000
Numico merges US vitamin units
Numico said it is to merge its parts of its US vitamin operations. The production will be combined in one company, Nutricia USA. The companies will continue to run separate marketing and sales operations, Numico said. Numico executive board member Bill Watts is to be replaced by Damon DeSantis of Rexall and Greg Horn of GNC. Watts will join the supervisory board.

Wednesday October 25 2000
Numico adapts US management structure
Royal Numico N.V. will adapt the senior management structure of its US operations, following the acquisitions of GNC,., Enrich International and Rexall Sundown in respectively August 1999, March 2000 and June 2000. It is intended to appoint Mr Damon DeSantis and Mr Greg Horn as members of the Executive Board of Royal Numico and Mr Bill Watts as member of the Supervisory Board of Royal Numico during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 26, 2001.

Tuesday October 17 2000
Numico to boost vitamin sales
Numico plans to increase its sales of vitamines in the Netherlands by getting its products included on the list of items covered by health insurance policies. Numico is currently in negotiations with Achmea. Achmea on Tuesday confirmed the plan, which would offer customers the option of insuring against the cost of using vitamins in the same way that homeopathic and alternative medicines are covered.

Thursday August 17 2000
Numico H1 net profit doubled
Numico reported sharply higher first-half results as it consolidated GNC results for the full six months and also the results of Rexall Sundown from June 5. Net profit before amortisation of goodwill doubled to EUR 169 mln. Earnings per share after goodwill rose to 0.88 eur from 0.64 in the year-earlier period.

Thursday June 22 2000
Numico greenshou options exercised
Numico announced on Thursday that the greenshoe options to cover over-allotments with respect to the combined offering of depositary receipts of shares and convertible subordinated bonds, have been exercised. The transaction size of the offering of depositary receipts of shares will increase by 1,483,516 depositary receipts of shares (EUR 67,499,978) to a total of 11,373,626 shares (EUR 517,499,983).

Thursday June 15 2000
Numico closes bond subscription
Numico, Deutsche Bank and Schroder Salomon Smith Barney said in a joint note that the subscription period for the offering of Numico convertible subordinated bonds due 2005 will close June 16 at 4.30 pm, at the end of trading. The subscription is to be closed earlier than previously announced due to "substantial demand", the joint press release said.

Tuesday June 13 2000
Numico to offer EUR 550-600 mln in convertibles
Numico said that it will offer EUR 550-650 mln in five-year convertible subordinated bonds with a coupon of 4.25-4.75%. The interest is payable annually in June, starting next year. The bonds will convert at a 22-27% premium over the price - yet to be established -- of an offering of depositary receipts currently underway.

Monday June 5 2000
Numico takeover Rexall
Numico announced on Monday it had succeeded in its takeover of Rexall Sundown after acquiring 96,4% of the shares. Rexall is in US market leader for vitamin sales in supermarket and chemists. The takeover is costing Numico some USD 1.8 bn, including Rexall's USD 114 mln in debts and outstanding management share options. The acquisitions will boost Numico's annual turnover this year to some EUR 4.3 bn.

Friday May 26 2000
Numico more transparence
Numico, which earlier this month bid USD 24 per share for US drug store Rexall, has agreed to more transparency about the deal following a Rexall shareholder's protest. The shareholder, who owns less than a 5%USD stake, said Rexall management did not do enough to get a better bid. The company has now said it will inform all RExall shareholders if other parties place bids and it has lowered the annulment fine to USD 60 mln from USD 79 mln.

Monday May 1 2000
Numico to acquire Rexall Sundown
Numico is buying Rexall Sundown, a US-based maker of nutritional supplements and consumer health products, for about USD 1.7 bn. Rexall, based in Boca Raton, Florida, will give Numico a strong position in the fast-growing American food supplements market, Numico said in a statement. The two companies will have combined annual sales of more than USD 4.5 bn.

Numico consolidates position in US
Numico on Monday announced the acquisition of Rexall Sundown for USD 1.8 bn, in a move which increased its share of the US vitamin and nutritional supplement market to 15%. The company agreed to pay USD 24 per Rexall share, a 25% premium to Friday's close. Numico already held a leading position in the US market after its USD 2.5 bn takeover in 1999 of General Nutrition Companies, the US nutritional supplements producer and distributor, which gave it 11%.

Thursday March 9 2000
Numico net profit up 24%
Numico reported on Thursday net profit for 1999 increased 24% to EUR 191.0 mln, compared with net profit of EUR 153.9 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. Turnover increased 46% from EUR 1,577.2 mln to EUR 2,299.0 mln. Operating income increased 40% from EUR 222.6 mln to EUR 311.0 mln.

Thursday March 2 2000
Numico finalises Enrich takeover
Numico said it has completed the acquisition of Enrich International as per 1 March 2000. The results of Enrich will be consolidated as from this date. Enrich International is a US based marketer of nutritional health supplement and personal care products. Enrich is active in 14 countries, including the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Monday February 7 2000
Numico expands in China
Numico announced on Monday the acquisition of Wuxi Chia-Tai Pharmaceutical Company in the Chinese province of Wuxi. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Numico said that the latest acquisition would be used to start production of enteral clinical nutrition for the Chinese market, apart from the pharmaceutical products that are already manufactured in this facility now.

Wednesday February 2 2000
Numico launches new baby food
Numico announced on Wednesday that it has developed a new infant formula concept that is to provide help for digestive problems suffered by up to 50% of all babies. Numico said that the new product showed a significant reduction of the overall symptoms of digestive discomfort. The new infant formula will be introduced by the Numico subsidiaries Nutricia, Milupa, and Cow & Gate.

Thursday November 4 1999
Numico adds to food supplements
Food group Numico has strengthened its position in the market for food supplements by taking over Enrich International of the US. The takeover sum was not disclosed. Enrich, active in food supplements and personal care products, has operations in 14 countries and books annual turnover of about euro 170 mln. In August, Numico took over General Nutrition Companies, US market leader in food supplements.

Friday September 17 1999
Numico says issue successfully completed
Numico announced on Friday that the equity offering of depositary receipts of ordinary shares Numico of up to EUR 450 mln and the convertible subordinated bond offering of up to EUR 600 mln have been successfully completed. The offer price of the depositary receipts of ordinary shares Numico has been fixed at EUR 40.00.

Monday September 13 1999
Numico subscriptions opens
Subscriptions for convertible bonds in Numico opened today and will close on Thursday. Numico will raise more than EUR 1 bn in a combined equity and convertible bond offering to help pay for its acquisition last month of General Nutrition of the US. The bonds can be converted into regular shares in 2004. The price of the bonds is between 24$ and 29% higher than the price of the regular shares.

Tuesday September 7 1999
Numico to raise EUR 1 bn
Numico will raise more than E1bn in a combined equity and convertible bond offering to help pay for its acquisition last month of General Nutrition of the US. ABN Amro Rothschild, joint lead manager with J.P. Morgan of the issue, said yesterday an institutional investor had agreed to buy enough of Numico's offering of depository receipts to take a 5% stake in the company.

Wednesday August 18 1999
Numico launches new bowel drink
Numico announced on Wednesday that it is launching an anti-constipation multi-fibre fruit drink next month. At the product launch, Numico presented the findings of specially commissioned research on the problems surrounding constipation. One in three Dutch people suffer from bowel related ailments, according to the findings.

Thursday August 12 1999
Numico H1 net profit up 19%
Numico reported on Thursday net profit for the first-half of 1999 increased 19% to EUR 84.1 mln, compared with net profit of EUR 70.8 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. The company's strong earnings growth partly reflects the acquisition of US food supplement maker General Nutrition earlier this year.

Friday August 6 1999
Numico completes tender for GNC
Numico said on Friday that it has completed its USD 25 per share public bid for GNC. The company has acquired 92.8% of the shares in GNC. Numico said that the remainder of the shares will be acquired in a second step merger at the same price per share, indicating that the merger can be completed this month.

Monday July 5 1999
Numico to takeover GNC
Numico has acquired General Nutrition Companies (GNC) of Pittsburgh (US) and intends to launch a tender offer for all outstanding shares of GNC at an offer price of USD 25 per share. The total purchase price amounts to USD 1,770 mln or NLG 3,700 mln, Numico said. Numico will assume USD 760 mln of GNC debt.

Thursday July 1 1999
Numico acquires Brazilian company
Numico announced on Thursday the acuisition of Brazilian company Mococa Produtos Alimenticios. The company, which owns two factories, offers Numico the possibility to locally produce baby food, Numico said. The distribution network of Mococa will support the expansion of Numico's business in Brazil, the company added.

Thursday May 20 1999
Numico in Indian and Chinese acquisitions
Numico has acquired the dairy division of Hundustran Lever, a subsidiary of Unilever, for an undisclosed sum. The division produces baby food and employs 300 people. Also Numico has acquired the Qihe Dairy Corporation in China, which also produces baby food. The new acquisitions will contribute NLG 47 mln to Numico's turnover.

Thursday March 11 1999
Numico net profit up 18%
Numico reported on Thursday net profit for 1998 increased 18% to NLG 339.1 mln, compared with net profit of NLG 288.3 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1997. Turnover increased 9% from NLG 3,202.0 mln to NLG 3,475.6 mln. Operating income increased 18% from NLG 416.9 mln to NLG 490.5 mln. Earnings per share for 1998 increased 15% to NLG 2.63, compared with earnings per share of NLG 2.29 for 1997.

Friday January 15 1999
Numico acquires UK vitamin firm
Numico has acquired UK vitamins group Larkhall Natural Health. The company manufactures and sells vitamins, minerals and food supplements. The company sells its products through a mail-order company. It generates annual turnover of NLG 12 mln.

Thursday January 14 1999
Numico acquires stake in Polish dairy firm
Numico announced on Thursday the acquisition of a stake in Hungarian dairy firm Szabolcstej through its subsidiary Hajdetej and a managements firm, which owns a 51% stake in Szabolcstej. Szabolcstej, which has two factories in Mateszalka and Nyiregyhaza, has annual sales of some NLG 70 mln.

Thursday January 7 1999
Numico expands key drugs unit
Numico has acquired two German companies, Viva and Pharma Burger, which will add to its newest division, Nutriceuticals, which concentrates on the marketing and sales of vitamins, supplements and minerals.The two companies book combined annual sales of DM 20 mln. Nutriceuticals booked 1997 sales of NLG 192 mln, while Numico's total turnover was NLG 3.2 bn that year, but the company has identifed the division as a strong growth unit.

Friday November 13 1998
Numico acquires British supplement firm
Numico has acquired British food supplement firm Efamol from Scottia Holding for GBP 16 mln. Numico said the takeover fits in its strategy of expanding in the vitamin and supplement market. Efamol booked sales of NLG 37 mln in 1997, of which NLG 4.5 mln was generated in the US. Currently Efamol is loss-making, but Numico said it will certainly make a profit.

Friday October 23 1998
Numico acquires 60% of Biodermal
Numico announced on Friday that it has acquired a 60% stake in Drs Hans Schreuder Laboratoria BV -- producer of Biodermal -- through its Belgium subsidiary Galenco. In return, the Schreuder family receives a stake of 40% in Galenco and an undisclosed sum. Drs Hans Schreuder Laboratoria has annual turnover of some NLG 20 mln, of which NLG 18 mln in the Netherlands and NLG 2 mln in Belgium.

Monday October 19 1998
Numico opens new research HQ
Dutch Minister Jorritsma of Economic Affairs opened the new headquarters of Numico Research in Wageningen. The industrial centre for life science research is focused on the medical biological aspects of nutrition. Van der Wielen, President Director of Royal Numico, announced during the opening that Numico Research is going to make a chair position available for a professorship, which for the first time in Holland, will focus on specific properties of functional foods, with special attention given to infant nutrition and products for enteral clinical nutrition.

Thursday October 15 1998
Numico units fight for baby food
Numico's unit Milupa is to launch its own infant formula in the Netherlands. The move of Milupa seems to be a direct competition to Nutricia, which is Numico's main subsidiary. Milupa is also planning to introduce baby cereals and complete baby meals. Milupa is aiming for a 10% to 20% share of the Dutch market within three years. Milupa baby food is sold elsewhere in Europe, however Numico took it off the Dutch market when in bought the unit in 1995.

Thursday August 13 1998
Numico reports H1 net profit up 17%
Numico reported on Thursday net profit for the first-half of 1998 increased with 17% to NLG 156.0 mln, compared with net profit of NLG 133.7 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1997. Turnover increased with 15% from NLG 1,510.9 mln to NLG 1,733.8 mln. Operating income increased with 22% from NLG 190.6 mln to NLG 232.2 mln.

Wednesday July 8 1998
Numico expands in Hungary
Numico's subsidiary Nutricia Dairy & Drinks Hungary has acquired 49% of the shares in dairy concern Wes in the Hungarian province of Szolnok. The stake is designed to increase the company's presence in eastern Hungary. The remaining shares are owned by insitutions and private investors. Wes books annual turnover of NLG 20 mln in the province of Szolnok.

Thursday March 12 1998
Numico reports net profit up 24%
Numico reports net profit for 1997 increased with 24% to NLG 288.3 mln, compared with NLG 231.7 mln for 1996. Turnover rose 10% from NLG 3,202 mln to NLG 2,911 mln. Operating result increased with 23% to NLG 416.9 mln, compared with NLG 339.8 mln for 1996. Earnings per share rose 19% from NLG 1.92 to NLG 2.29.

Thursday January 15 1998
Nutricia changes name to Numico
Nutricia changed its name to Koninklijke Numico NV. The move is aimed at preventing any damage to its brand names, such as Nutricia and Mulimil, spreading to other parts of the company. This has happened on several occasions when problems emerged with particular brand of baby food in a certain country. The name Numico is derived from the first two letters of three main companies: Nutricia, Mulipa and Cow & Gate.

Hebels Financial Website believes the information herein was obtained from reliable sources but does not guarantee its accuracy. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation of the purchase or sale of securities, derivatives or commodities. © 2002 Hebels Financial Website