Lek, a Sandoz company, recognized as the employer of choice in Slovenia

Being a responsible employer is the foundation of success and the driver of company’s development
With continuous investment into employee development, Lek, a Sandoz company, reinforces the culture of knowledge, innovation and cooperation
Leading positions in Sandoz and Novartis held by many employees from Slovenia, locally and globally

18. 12. 2013

For the fourth time the recruitment portal MojeDelo.com (MyJob.com) conducted the annual survey on the most reputable Slovenian companies. In the recent years, Lek, a Sandoz company, has been placed in the group of the most reputable employers; however, this year Lek, a Sandoz company, was recognized as the most reputable employer in Slovenia.

The comprehensive online survey establishes which employers among the candidates in the labour market are the most attractive and represent the first choice for job seekers. The reputation of the employer is determined with the reputation quotient, which is based on the combination of the following criteria: company recognition, considering the organisation as a potential employer, and the organisation being an employer of choice.

“To us, being recognized as the most renowned employer also means to be a responsible one. We are well aware that reputable organisations attract top talents, which is of crucial importance in very competitive and knowledge-based pharmaceutical industry. We cannot imagine a long-term development within one of the biggest global pharmaceutical organisations without motivated and highly knowledgeable associates,” said Vojmir Urlep, President of Board of Management of Lek, a Sandoz company upon receiving the award.

Lek, a Sandoz company, not only received the award The most reputable Slovenian company 2013, but also the award The most reputable employer among pharmaceutical companies in Slovenia. Samo Roš, Head of Human Resources and Member of the Board of Management at Lek, a Sandoz company, pointed out: ”The award represents a confirmation of creating a motivating and challenging working environment for employees. As a part of one of the biggest global pharmaceutical companies our employees have the chance to develop their careers internationally. We also invest sustainably in the training and knowledge development of our associates. Additionally, we encourage a healthy way of life among our employees, a diverse and inclusive working environment, we pay particular attention to career development of women, and improvement of work-life balance among employees.”

By the end of 2012, Lek, a Sandoz company, employed more than 2,700 associates. In 2012 more than 300 new associates were employed. The company is among the first recipients of the certificate Family Friendly Company in Slovenia. For eleven years Lek, a Sandoz company, has been among the companies that invest the most in the training and education of their employees.

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Lek, a Sandoz company, is one of key pillars of the second-largest generic pharmaceutical company globally. Its role within Sandoz is to act as: a leading global development center for products and technologies; a global manufacturing center for active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines; a competence center for the development of vertically integrated products; a Sandoz competence center in the field of development and manufacturing of biosimilar products; and, a supply center for the markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), South East Europe (SEE) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and it is responsible for sales on the Slovenian market. For further information please visit http://www.lek.si/eng/.

Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the rapidly growing generics industry Sandoz offers a broad range of about 1, 100 high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With nearly 26,000 employees in approximately 140 countries, Sandoz holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars, injectables, ophthalmics and dermatology as well as a strong global #5 position in inhalables. Key product groups include antibiotics, treatments for central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular treatments, and hormone therapies. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines along with pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances and anti-infectives. In addition to strong organic growth in recent years, Sandoz has made a series of acquisitions including Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US). In 2012, Sandoz posted sales of USD 8.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.sandoz.com.

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2012, the Group achieved net sales of USD 56.7 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.3 billion (USD 9.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 133,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.novartis.com.

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This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.

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For additional information contact:
Katarina Klemenc
Corporate Communications
Lek Pharmaceuticals d. d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
Fax: +386 1 580 24 32
katarina.klemenc@sandoz.com