About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based healthcare company devoted to discovering new medicines, new technologies and new ways to manage health. Our products span the continuum of care, from nutritional products and laboratory diagnostics, through medical devices and pharmaceutical therapies. We have a comprehensive line of products that encircles life itself - addressing important health needs from infancy to the golden years.

For more than one hundred years, Abbott people have been driven by a constant goal: to advance medical science and help people live healthier lives. It's part of our heritage and it continues to be the driving force behind our work today. 65,000 Abbott employees around the world share our passion for 'Turning Science into Caring'. It's a commitment to focusing on what matters most: life and the potential it holds when we are feeling our best.

Operating in 130 countries, we are recognised for our global reach and ability to serve our customers around the world, and our Finance and IT divisions are at the heart of everything we do.

Fast facts:

• • Worldwide, Abbott employs more than 65,000 people in 130 countries.
• • In 2006 Abbott Worldwide achieved annual sales of $22.5 billion.
• • Worldwide R&D Investment in 2006 was $2.3 billion.
• • In the UK Abbott has a turnover well in excess of $1 billion and employs almost 3,000 staff
• • UK Pharmaceutical Sales are in the region of $300 million and UK Abbott Nutrition Sales $120 million.