BAGSVAERD, Denmark, April 4, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Status re Novo Nordisk's holding of its own shares (31 March 2006) In continuation of the company's announcement dated 27 January 2006 concerning a planned share repurchase programme, and pursuant to Section 204.33 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, this is to report that Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) and its wholly-owned affiliates on 31 March 2006 owned 31,748,746 of its own B shares of DKK 2, corresponding to a total nominal value of DKK 63,497,492 or 8.95% of the total share capital.
In the first quarter of 2006 a total of 1.050.000 B shares were repurchased by Novo Nordisk A/S, and 280.473 B shares were disposed of to employees who exercised options granted by Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 22,000 employees in 78 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com.
Stock Exchange Announcement no 16 / 2006