Contact
Darcie Peck
Investor Relations
(203) 845-5237
dpeck@imshealth.com
NORWALK, CT, December 19, 2007 – IMS Health (NYSE: RX), the world’s leading provider of market intelligence to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the company to buy up to 20 million IMS shares under a new stock repurchase program. The company completed the purchase of 10 million shares of IMS stock under a previous share repurchase program authorized by the Board in December 2006.
“This authorization gives us the flexibility to continue our share repurchase activity, which remains an important aspect of our cash allocation strategy,” said Leslye Katz, IMS senior vice president and chief financial officer.
IMS anticipates that the shares will be acquired in privately negotiated transactions or in open-market purchases in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18.
Operating in more than 100 countries, IMS Health is the world's leading provider of market intelligence to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. With $2.0 billion in 2006 revenue and more than 50 years of industry experience, IMS offers leading-edge market intelligence products and services that are integral to clients’ day-to-day operations, including portfolio optimization capabilities; launch and brand management solutions; sales force effectiveness innovations; managed care and consumer health offerings; and consulting and services solutions that improve ROI and the delivery of quality healthcare worldwide. Additional information is available at http://www.imshealth.com.