Recordati: 2000-2001 targets surpassed. Solid growth prospects.

Milan, December 4, 2000

Recordati S.p.A. presented key data for 2000 and the year's main achievements to financial analysts gathered today at the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan.

During the presentation, Recordati stated it expects to reach consolidated net sales of 680 billion lire in 2000 (up 29.2% over 1999) with an operating income of 12% of sales (7.1% in 1999) and consolidated net sales of 825 billion lire in 2001 (up 21.3% over 2000), with an operating income of over 12%. This significant progress outperforms the forecast announced to analysts on May 10, 2000.

The group's very good performance can be attributed to the success of its strategy in focusing on high potential products - which has increased market shares mainly in Italy and Spain - , to the consolidation of the French pharmaceutical company Bouchara (acquired during the year) and to the international success of its proprietary products. In particular, plans for international launches of Zanidip®, Recordati's proprietary antihypertensive, are proceeding ahead of the previously announced schedule. Zanidip® is currently marketed in 22 countries including Germany, the world's third largest pharmaceutical market, where it was launched in October.

The international development of Zanidip® will continue during 2001. In fact, it is expected to be launched in another 10 countries. Its launch in France, the world's fourth largest pharmaceutical market, is expected within the first quarter of 2001.

During the meeting, plans for the development of the group over the medium and long term were also presented. Prospects are reinforced by the recent signing of two important agreements: a licensing agreement with Forest Laboratories for the launch of Zanidip® in the United States, which represents 40% of the world pharmaceutical market, and a collaboration agreement with Pharmacia Corporation for the research and development of new urological drugs.

Recordati (Reuters: RECI.MI, RECIr.MI, Bloomberg: REC IM, RECNC IM) is a european pharmaceutical group, founded in 1926 and listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. Engaged in the research, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical chemicals, Recordati is headquartered in Milan with operating subsidiaries in France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the USA.

Statements contained in this release, other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements are based on currently available information, on current best estimates, and on assumptions believed to be reasonable. This information, these estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or erroneous, and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, beyond the Company's control. Hence, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.