BAGSVAERD, Denmark, June 23, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- At Novo Nordisk's ordinary general meeting on 8 March 2006 it was decided to reduce the company's B share capital from nominally DKK 601,901,120 B share capital to nominally DKK 566,432,800 B share capital by cancellation of nominally DKK 35,468,320 of the company's holding of own B shares.
Novo Nordisk has registered the final implementation of the reduction of the share capital with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency and cancelled nominally DKK 35,468,320 B shares. After the reduction of the share capital, the company's share capital is nominally DKK 673,920,000, which is divided into an A share capital of nominally DKK 107,487,200 and a B share capital of nominally DKK 566,432,800.
Holding of own shares
In the company's stock exchange announcement no 17 of 28 April 2006, it was stated that Novo Nordisk A/S and its wholly-owned affiliates owned 31,748,746 of its own B shares corresponding to a total nominal value of DKK 63,497,492 or 8.95% of the total share capital.
Since 28 April 2006 a total of 510,000 B shares were repurchased by Novo Nordisk A/S, and 298,362 B shares were disposed of to employees who exercised options granted by Novo Nordisk.
Following the cancellation of nominally DKK 35,468,320 (17,734,160 shares) of the company's own B shares and with reference to Section 28 of the Danish securities Trading Act, it is announced that Novo Nordisk A/S and its wholly-owned affiliates as per 23 June 2006 own 14,226,224 of its own B shares. This corresponds to a total nominal value of DKK 28,452,448 B shares or 4.22% of the total share capital.
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 22,500 employees in 79 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.
For further information please contact:
Media: Investors:
Outside North America: Outside North America:
Elin K Hansen Mogens Thorsager Jensen
Tel: (+45) 4442 3450 Tel: (+45) 4442 7945
Christian Qvist Frandsen
Tel: (+45) 4443 5182
In North America: In North America:
Susan T Jackson Mads Veggerby Lausten
Tel: (+1) 609 919 7776 Tel: (+1) 609 919 7937
Stock Exchange Announcement no 24 / 2006