"The first half results confirm our strategy of focusing predominantly on external growth, with US and European acquisitions to build solid platforms in all PLIVA’s regions. Enhanced gross profitability reflects PLIVA’s efficiency in manufacturing, which is among the highest in the industry. With close to thirty molecules launched throughout Western Europe and CEE within only six months, we have built a product base for future growth that is expected to offset the upcoming expiry of the Azithromycin patent", said Željko Čović, CEO and President of PLIVA’s Management Board, commenting on first-half 2003 results.