VIRBAC sales in the first half of the year increased 6.4 percent, after a 5.6-percent and 7.2-percent surge in the first quarter and second quarter, respectively.

VIRBAC sales continued to head positively during the second quarter in the main European markets, in the US and in emerging countries (India, South Africa, Latin America.

For the first half, the 3.5 percent organic growth in the companion animals unit benefitted from the launch of new products in Europe, notably Easotic - a product for ear treatment - and Effipro - an external parasiticide based on Fipronil - launched in June, which have been compensating for a weak market in France. Despite the market contraction in the US, the evolution of sales in the veterinary channel has been very positive, thanks in particular to the Iverhart range. The business also enjoyed a good growth in the main countries of Asia and Latin America.

The activity in food producing animals keeps moving up with an organic growth of 3.8 percent despite of the slowdown in certain markets such as France and Australia, thanks to a strong growth in the emerging countries.

The Group also benefitted from the contribution of the businesses acquired in 2008.

The first half performance is consequently in line with the perspective of a five to eight percent growth excluding exchange rates impacts announced by the Group for the full year.