UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
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REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
March 1 2007
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NOVO NORDISK A/S
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
NOVO ALLE
DK-2880, BAGSVAERD
DENMARK
(Address of principal executive offices)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes [ ] No [X]
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g-32(b):82-_____________________
DISPOSAL
NOVO NORDISK DIVESTS ITS OWNERSHIP OF DAKO'S BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Today the Board of Directors of Dako A/S has decided to divest its only
subsidiary Dako Denmark A/S to the private equity fund EQT V. Dako Denmark A/S
is the sole owner of the global business activities for the Dako Group, one of
the world's leading companies within cancer diagnostics.
Novo Nordisk has been a shareholder since 1992 and currently owns around 27% of
the capital in Dako A/S. Following a successful development of Dako's business
and in preparation for encouraging future prospects, the current shareholders in
response to an ongoing consolidation of the cancer diagnostics industry have
concluded that a new ownership structure would be in the best long-term interest
of Dako.
Jesper Brandgaard, chief financial officer, said: "As one of the main
shareholders we are pleased that an attractive ownership solution has been found
for Dako, which will facilitate the continued expansion of the company's
business activities."
The sales agreement is subject to a number of conditions including the approval
of the transaction by applicable competition authorities and the approval of the
transaction by a shareholders' meeting of Dako A/S. As a consequence of this
transaction, Novo Nordisk now expects to record an income in 2007 of around DKK
1.5 billion in relation to Dako's sale of Dako Denmark A/S, which will be
recorded under 'Share of profit in associated companies' in the 'net financials'
part of the income statement.
Updated guidance for the 'net financials' including impact from currency
development will be provided in connection with the release of the financial
statements for the first three months of 2007 on 2 May 2007.
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 23,600 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.
The Dako Group is a Denmark-based, world leading provider of systems for cancer
diagnostics. Hospital and research laboratories worldwide use Dako products to
make precise diagnoses and determine the most effective treatment of patients
suffering from cancer. With more than 1,300 employees and a presence in more
than 20 countries, Dako covers most of the global pathology markets. Remaining
markets are covered by distributors in 50 countries. www.dako.com
CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 1 2007 NOVO NORDISK A/S
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Lars Rebien Sorensen,
President and Chief Executive Officer