The Basel-based pharmaceuticals giant, Roche, has reported a 17 per cent increase in turnover in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 1999.

The Basel-based pharmaceuticals giant, Roche, has reported a 17 per cent increase in turnover in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 1999.

The biggest growth areas were the concern's pharmaceuticals division, with a turnover of more than SFr4.5 billion, and diagnostics with a turnover of Sfr1.4 billion.

Roche also said its vitamins and pure chemicals divisions managed to hold their market position while the aroma and flavour division showed a positive performance in the last quarter. The company says it is optimistic for the rest of the year.

Ciba's Specialty Chemicals division enjoyed an incease in turnover of 16 per cent, to Sfr2.44 billion, compared to the same period last year. Sales in the first quarter also rose by 4 per cent, compared to the last quarter of 1999.

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