Healthcare services group UDG has withdrawn its financial guidance for this year due to the uncertainty caused by the spread of the coronavirus. Its Ashfield division provides communications and advisory services to pharma firms, as well as commercial and clinical services. It also has a pharmaceutical packaging business, Sharp. In the six months to 31 March UDG said its Ashfield's operating profit was ahead of the same period in 2019, driven by good underlying growth and the benefit of acquisitions. However, since the onset of the coronavirus UDG has experienced some project deferrals and cancellations in its Ashfield business.

Source: Irish Independent April 15, 2020 06:56 UTC