Astellas Relocates European HQ and UK Operations to Accommodate new Growth

CHERTSEY, England, November 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Spectacular New Facilities, in Chertsey, Designed by Sir Norman Foster

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. (APEL), the European Headquarters of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., one of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies, today formally opens its new office in Hillswood Business Park, Chertsey.

To accommodate the company's continuing growth, staff from Astellas' European Headquarters (APEL) and its UK affiliate (Astellas Pharma Ltd.) moved to Hillswood in September, occupying a spectacular building, designed by Sir Norman Foster and  set in 39 acres of landscaped grounds. APEL coordinates Astellas' presence in 35 countries, with responsibility for approximately 4,300 employees, including those of Astellas Pharma Ltd., its UK affiliate.

"We are continuing to expand steadily despite a challenging environment in Europe," explains Ken Jones, CEO of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd (APEL). "Back in 2006, APEL set itself clear strategic objectives for 2015, and we remain on track to achieve them, including category leadership in six therapeutic areas. We are gearing up to have no fewer than 10 products in launch or early-growth phase by 2015.  Our new home will both accommodate and facilitate further growth by providing a practical, and energising environment that enhances teamwork and collaboration."

The next few months will also bring a move to new offices for staff at Astellas' global headquarters in Tokyo, and its Netherlands based operations in Leiden, while June 2012 saw the opening of Astellas' new corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview, Illinois.

2000 Hillswood Drive, which Astellas has purchased, offers internal office space of 100,000 sq ft (9,290 m²). Behind its striking, curved, glass-walled facade - which faces a lake and extensive grounds. The building has been extensively refurbished, which was initially completed in 2000, to make the most of its light-filled expanses. Hillswood  is located close to junction 11 of the M25, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the centre of Chertsey, 25 miles (40 km) from Central London and 8 miles (13 km) from Heathrow Airport.

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., is located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is responsible for directing the expansion of the company's portfolio in six therapeutic areas, Transplantation, Urology, Dermatology, Anti-Infectives, Pain management and more recently Oncology, reinforcing Astellas' commitment to bringing new and effective therapies to market in areas where unmet needs still exist.  

In 2012, APEL was rated among the top 25 medium-sized UK companies by the Great Place to Work^® Institute, which recognises organisations and businesses that strive to create a workplace culture based on trust, pride, camaraderie, fairness and leadership.

Notes to Editors

About Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is the European Headquarters of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceuticals. As a global company, Astellas is committed to combining outstanding research and development (R&D) and marketing capabilities to continue to grow in the world pharmaceutical market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. manages 21 affiliate offices located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  In addition, the Company has an R&D site and three manufacturing plants in Europe. The company employs approximately 4,300 staff across these regions. For more information about Astellas Pharma Europe, please visit http://www.astellas.eu