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Business Report October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017 27th

27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

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Page 1: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

Business ReportOctober 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017

27th

Page 2: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

Performance Overview

In order to achieve net sales of ¥100 billion in 2021, we must continue implementing upfront investment under strong group management and reinforcing our earnings base.

For the term ending September 2018, our forecast is

to achieve net sales of ¥66,000 million, operating income of ¥6,850 million, and a net income attributable to parent company shareholders of ¥4,200 million.

6,2246,224

7,5917,5916,8506,850

52,70352,70360,48260,482

66,00066,000

The Japanese government announced a policy to promote Japan-based development of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Since then, Japanese pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers—customers of the EPS Group—have expanded the consignment of development-related services in and outside of Japan to strengthen their competitive edge. At the same time, more efficient and higher quality services are being demanded of the contractors.

Amidst this trend, in the term that ended September 2017, the EPS Group continued to bolster its organization in

order to maintain highly proficient operational efficiency and high-quality services throughout Japan, as well as reinforce its international business foundation.

Consequently, the consolidated results of the group for the fiscal year ending September, 2017 were net sales of ¥60,482 million (up 14.8% year-on-year), operating income of ¥7,591 million (up 22.0%), ordinary income of ¥7,809 million (up 18.5%) and net income attributable to parent company shareholders of ¥4,663 million (up 17.6%). The results outperformed the fiscal year projections made at the beginning of the term, setting new highs.

Record profits achieved on strength of high-quality and high-efficiency services

Net Sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

Net income Attributable to Parent Company Shareholders(Millions of yen)

Regarding Shareholders’ Returns

Outlook for Fiscal Year Ending September 2018The company has a basic policy of continuously improving profit distribution to shareholders and securing retained earnings necessary for strengthening the corporate structure, doing so while keeping an eye on planned business expansion and improving profitability. With a targeted consolidated dividend payout ratio of 30%, we have been passing on profits to shareholders appropriately in line with performances.

The fiscal 2017 year-end dividend will be ¥20 per share, an increase from the actual payment in the previous term. This constitutes an ordinary dividend of ¥12 per share and a special dividend of ¥8 per share. Combined with an interim dividend of ¥10, the annual dividend payment will be ¥30.

Business Operations in Japan

Business Operations Outside Japan

Net sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

In the CRO business, efficient project management in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance (PMS) services together with smooth advances made in clinical research projects were major factors behind the increases in sales and earnings.

The SMO business reported a rise in sales owing to the establishment of a management framework that ensures synergies with the former Sogo Rinsho Group following the merger and smooth progress in projects as a result of strengthening the project management system. On the profits front as well, the positive effects of business integration more than offset the goodwill amortization, with the result of posting a substantial increase of more than ¥1 billion.

The CSO business also posted increases in sales and earnings. Call center services for pharmaceutical firms, including MR Direct and e-detailing services, experienced solid growth. Our PMS services also fared well thanks to smooth progress in the operation of large-scale projects.

In the Global Research business, ongoing projects have made steady progress, while an order for a large-scale project was received from a new customer. These factors contributed to an increase in sales. On the other hand, losses were incurred at the Operating Income level due to an increased number of staff, stemming from aggressive recruitment activities to reinforce our network.

In the China business, the effect of acquiring the Chinese drugs manufacturer Shanghai Hua Xin High Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in October 2016 manifested itself in earnings. The business foundation of the pharmaceutical-related services was bolstered through the takeover. As a result, both sales and earnings rose, with the increase turning operating income black and reporting a profit.

Interim Year-end Payout ratio (%)(Yen)

3,9663,966

4,6634,6634,2004,200

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

026th TermFY9/16

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

40

30

20

10

0

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

CRO6,653CRO6,653

SMO1,698SMO1,698

CSO486CSO486

CRO5,985CRO5,985

SMO610SMO610

CSO426CSO426

CRO30,004CRO30,004

SMO14,016SMO14,016

CSO8,303CSO8,303

CRO28,123CRO28,123

SMO10,961SMO10,961

CSO7,509CSO7,509

46,59346,59352,32352,323

7,0217,021

8,8378,837

Net sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0 26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

300

0

-300

-600

China6,199China6,199China

3,957China3,957

Global Research4,816

Global Research4,816

Global Research4,060

Global Research4,060

China251China251

Global Research-536

Global Research-536

China-31China-31

Global Research183

Global Research1838,0178,017

11,01511,015 152152

-285-285

Aiming to Strengthen Our Earnings Base to Achieve the Mid-term Management Plan

32

24

16

8

0

13

12

252530

27.127.1

25 (Forecast)25 (Forecast)Bonus dividend of 5 yen

Bonus dividend of 5 yen

Bonus dividend of 8 yen

Bonus dividend of 8 yen

27.527.529.7

15

10

20

10

1 2

Page 3: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

Performance Overview

In order to achieve net sales of ¥100 billion in 2021, we must continue implementing upfront investment under strong group management and reinforcing our earnings base.

For the term ending September 2018, our forecast is

to achieve net sales of ¥66,000 million, operating income of ¥6,850 million, and a net income attributable to parent company shareholders of ¥4,200 million.

6,2246,224

7,5917,5916,8506,850

52,70352,70360,48260,482

66,00066,000

The Japanese government announced a policy to promote Japan-based development of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Since then, Japanese pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers—customers of the EPS Group—have expanded the consignment of development-related services in and outside of Japan to strengthen their competitive edge. At the same time, more efficient and higher quality services are being demanded of the contractors.

Amidst this trend, in the term that ended September 2017, the EPS Group continued to bolster its organization in

order to maintain highly proficient operational efficiency and high-quality services throughout Japan, as well as reinforce its international business foundation.

Consequently, the consolidated results of the group for the fiscal year ending September, 2017 were net sales of ¥60,482 million (up 14.8% year-on-year), operating income of ¥7,591 million (up 22.0%), ordinary income of ¥7,809 million (up 18.5%) and net income attributable to parent company shareholders of ¥4,663 million (up 17.6%). The results outperformed the fiscal year projections made at the beginning of the term, setting new highs.

Record profits achieved on strength of high-quality and high-efficiency services

Net Sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

Net income Attributable to Parent Company Shareholders(Millions of yen)

Regarding Shareholders’ Returns

Outlook for Fiscal Year Ending September 2018The company has a basic policy of continuously improving profit distribution to shareholders and securing retained earnings necessary for strengthening the corporate structure, doing so while keeping an eye on planned business expansion and improving profitability. With a targeted consolidated dividend payout ratio of 30%, we have been passing on profits to shareholders appropriately in line with performances.

The fiscal 2017 year-end dividend will be ¥20 per share, an increase from the actual payment in the previous term. This constitutes an ordinary dividend of ¥12 per share and a special dividend of ¥8 per share. Combined with an interim dividend of ¥10, the annual dividend payment will be ¥30.

Business Operations in Japan

Business Operations Outside Japan

Net sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

In the CRO business, efficient project management in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance (PMS) services together with smooth advances made in clinical research projects were major factors behind the increases in sales and earnings.

The SMO business reported a rise in sales owing to the establishment of a management framework that ensures synergies with the former Sogo Rinsho Group following the merger and smooth progress in projects as a result of strengthening the project management system. On the profits front as well, the positive effects of business integration more than offset the goodwill amortization, with the result of posting a substantial increase of more than ¥1 billion.

The CSO business also posted increases in sales and earnings. Call center services for pharmaceutical firms, including MR Direct and e-detailing services, experienced solid growth. Our PMS services also fared well thanks to smooth progress in the operation of large-scale projects.

In the Global Research business, ongoing projects have made steady progress, while an order for a large-scale project was received from a new customer. These factors contributed to an increase in sales. On the other hand, losses were incurred at the Operating Income level due to an increased number of staff, stemming from aggressive recruitment activities to reinforce our network.

In the China business, the effect of acquiring the Chinese drugs manufacturer Shanghai Hua Xin High Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in October 2016 manifested itself in earnings. The business foundation of the pharmaceutical-related services was bolstered through the takeover. As a result, both sales and earnings rose, with the increase turning operating income black and reporting a profit.

Interim Year-end Payout ratio (%)(Yen)

3,9663,966

4,6634,6634,2004,200

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

026th TermFY9/16

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

28th TermFY9/18

(Forecast)

40

30

20

10

0

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

CRO6,653CRO6,653

SMO1,698SMO1,698

CSO486CSO486

CRO5,985CRO5,985

SMO610SMO610

CSO426CSO426

CRO30,004CRO30,004

SMO14,016SMO14,016

CSO8,303CSO8,303

CRO28,123CRO28,123

SMO10,961SMO10,961

CSO7,509CSO7,509

46,59346,59352,32352,323

7,0217,021

8,8378,837

Net sales(Millions of yen)

Operating Income(Millions of yen)

26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0 26th TermFY9/16

27th TermFY9/17

300

0

-300

-600

China6,199China6,199China

3,957China3,957

Global Research4,816

Global Research4,816

Global Research4,060

Global Research4,060

China251China251

Global Research-536

Global Research-536

China-31China-31

Global Research183

Global Research1838,0178,017

11,01511,015 152152

-285-285

Aiming to Strengthen Our Earnings Base to Achieve the Mid-term Management Plan

32

24

16

8

0

13

12

252530

27.127.1

25 (Forecast)25 (Forecast)Bonus dividend of 5 yen

Bonus dividend of 5 yen

Bonus dividend of 8 yen

Bonus dividend of 8 yen

27.527.529.7

15

10

20

10

1 2

Page 4: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

Topic

The Contract Research Organization (CRO) business, which has been a part of the company’s business portfolio since establishment, continues to advance in the field, while maintaining and expanding existing operations as a leading CRO. In October 2017, EPS Corporation launched a healthcare data utilization business that utilizes information technologies (IT) to the fullest. We are currently working to construct a platform for an intractable diseases program as a research partner with Kyoto University in a research project led by Japan’s Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

The Site Management Organization (SMO) business, which was launched in 1999, completed management integration with Sogo Rinsho Holdings Co., Ltd. in 2016, becoming Japan’s largest SMO. In October 2017, the EPS Group acquired Exam Co., Ltd., which has abundant experience of supporting clinical trials in the dermatological field over a broad geographical area that covers the Hokkaido, Kanto, Kinki and Kyushu regions. Our aim is to continue advancing and further expand our business portfolio.

In the CSO business, two companies respectively responsible for dispatching medical representatives (MRs) and call center services were merged in 2013. Since then, we have raised the proportion of MR dispatch provided by our own medical contact center services. At the same time, we constructed a unique business model with high profitability by promoting a combination of our MR staffing services, deployment of personnel with expertise in the field in duties as MRs, and BPO services. Today, we support pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers in various aspects of their operations.

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

1991 Established

1999 SMO business, GR business

1993CRO business

2001Listed on JASDAQ Stock Exchange

2004 CSO business

2004Listed on Second Section of

Tokyo Stock Exchange

2006Listed on First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange

2015Holding company

structure adopted

2016Mid-term management plan announced

2008China business

2015CPO business

Net sales

¥100billion

Mid-term management plan numerical target(FY ending Sep. 2021)

CRO

CSO

CPO

GR

China

SMO

• Full-service organization that allows the company to undertake a comprehensive range of services from clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance (PMS)

• Numerous achievements in anti-cancer agents, cerebral/nervous-system drugs, etc.

• Proactive introduction of IT solutions

• Industry’s largest number of partnerships with 5,600 medical facilities

• Extensive network of 1,000 CRCs• Encompasses a wide range of illnesses,

including cancers and lifestyle-related diseases

• Industry best medical contact centers where pharmacists’/nurses’ services are available 24/7, 365 days a year

• Industry-best placement services for medical device CSs (sales representative dispatch)

• Demonstrated strengths in PMS and BPO services

CRO Leading CRO continuing growth

CSO

SMO SMO with an overwhelming lead aiming for 40% market share*

*In terms of sales value

Expanding operations for further growth

Promoting original CSO services

Continuously expanding in size through M&AsChanges in Net Sales

The EPS Group has continued to leap forward since establishment.

Evolution 1

Ever Progressing System – As the company name EPS indicates, we are a corporate group that continues to progress each day.Here, we introduce to you how the EPS Group has evolved since the day it was established.

What is EPS?–Trajectory of Continuous Evolution–

Individual businesses continue to evolve with increased strength in recent years.

Evolution 2

Leading company with originality

3 4

Page 5: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

Topic

The Contract Research Organization (CRO) business, which has been a part of the company’s business portfolio since establishment, continues to advance in the field, while maintaining and expanding existing operations as a leading CRO. In October 2017, EPS Corporation launched a healthcare data utilization business that utilizes information technologies (IT) to the fullest. We are currently working to construct a platform for an intractable diseases program as a research partner with Kyoto University in a research project led by Japan’s Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

The Site Management Organization (SMO) business, which was launched in 1999, completed management integration with Sogo Rinsho Holdings Co., Ltd. in 2016, becoming Japan’s largest SMO. In October 2017, the EPS Group acquired Exam Co., Ltd., which has abundant experience of supporting clinical trials in the dermatological field over a broad geographical area that covers the Hokkaido, Kanto, Kinki and Kyushu regions. Our aim is to continue advancing and further expand our business portfolio.

In the CSO business, two companies respectively responsible for dispatching medical representatives (MRs) and call center services were merged in 2013. Since then, we have raised the proportion of MR dispatch provided by our own medical contact center services. At the same time, we constructed a unique business model with high profitability by promoting a combination of our MR staffing services, deployment of personnel with expertise in the field in duties as MRs, and BPO services. Today, we support pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers in various aspects of their operations.

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

1991 Established

1999 SMO business, GR business

1993CRO business

2001Listed on JASDAQ Stock Exchange

2004 CSO business

2004Listed on Second Section of

Tokyo Stock Exchange

2006Listed on First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange

2015Holding company

structure adopted

2016Mid-term management plan announced

2008China business

2015CPO business

Net sales

¥100billion

Mid-term management plan numerical target(FY ending Sep. 2021)

CRO

CSO

CPO

GR

China

SMO

• Full-service organization that allows the company to undertake a comprehensive range of services from clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance (PMS)

• Numerous achievements in anti-cancer agents, cerebral/nervous-system drugs, etc.

• Proactive introduction of IT solutions

• Industry’s largest number of partnerships with 5,600 medical facilities

• Extensive network of 1,000 CRCs• Encompasses a wide range of illnesses,

including cancers and lifestyle-related diseases

• Industry best medical contact centers where pharmacists’/nurses’ services are available 24/7, 365 days a year

• Industry-best placement services for medical device CSs (sales representative dispatch)

• Demonstrated strengths in PMS and BPO services

CRO Leading CRO continuing growth

CSO

SMO SMO with an overwhelming lead aiming for 40% market share*

*In terms of sales value

Expanding operations for further growth

Promoting original CSO services

Continuously expanding in size through M&AsChanges in Net Sales

The EPS Group has continued to leap forward since establishment.

Evolution 1

Ever Progressing System – As the company name EPS indicates, we are a corporate group that continues to progress each day.Here, we introduce to you how the EPS Group has evolved since the day it was established.

What is EPS?–Trajectory of Continuous Evolution–

Individual businesses continue to evolve with increased strength in recent years.

Evolution 2

Leading company with originality

3 4

Page 6: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

In the pharmaceutical business, following a capital and business alliance with Suzuken (i.e., a major pharmaceutical wholesaler) formed in September 2016, we acquired a Chinese pharmaceuticals manufacturer, Hua Xian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai Hua Xin High Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) in October 2016. In tandem with the research and development functions of the EPS Group, an integrated service system has been constructed to cover all operations in China, from development of medicines to manufacturing and sales.

We will strengthen our pharmaceutical business by taking advantage of Hua Xin Pharmaceutical and develop it as a products business that combines the agency sales of Japanese-made medical devices and manufacturing of own-brand products.

Consistently strengthening the pharmaceutical business

In August 2017, a strategic alliance was formed with Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereafter Tigermed), China’s largest clinical CRO, for joint operations of a general CRO business focused on healthcare and pharmaceutical data services. By adding Tigermed’s service domains to existing services such as data management and statistical analysis that the EPS Group has been offering in China, we are implementing initiatives to grow the Chinese CRO market.

Tigermed has an established record of achievements and is trusted as a blue-chip company in mainland China. We are hoping that the partnership with this reputable local company will lead to development of the CRO business and the expansion of earnings, as well as an increase in corporate value over the medium to long-term.

We are steadily implementing organization reform in line with expanding the group business portfolio. In 2015, the EPS Group adopted a holding company structure in order to promote individual company independence and autonomy throughout the organization. Subsequently, in 2017, dual-axis matrix-based organizational operations were introduced: business management by segment and administrative management by the holding company with the aim of enhancing group synergies.

At the same time, we are continuously investing in human capital, a source of growth. It is imperative to secure and nurture highly professional staff in order for the group to continue its evolution in the future. We have been recruiting a number of diverse human resources, including nurses and pharmacists, in order to improve and expand our network of specialized staff in each service area through well-developed education and training programs.

Strengthening CRO operations through a partnership with China’s largest clinical CRO

From the Frontlinein China

No. of professional staff

3,200over 30Approx.

19.2billion¥(for FY2016 based on an exchange rate of RMB 1 = ¥16)

Net sales

Women playing an active role in the Group.

As EPS Group businesses operate in an environment where women account for a high proportion of the workforce, it is an important issue that we create workplaces that offer equal opportunities regardless of gender. The Group strives to ensure that female staff are able to continue working throughout their life stages, including childbirth and child rearing. As part of these efforts, we have created a department dedicated to supporting women in their efforts to obtain employment after giving birth, short-time work/telework systems, providing nurseries inside the companies, and continuous improvements in these areas. Furthermore, we are proactively working to appoint women in managerial positions.

*Parameter = Female staff of the three key companies in Japan (i.e., EPS Corporation, EP-SOGO Co., Ltd., and EP PharmaLine Co., Ltd.) who have given birth

of our staff areare women

of managerialpositions areoccupied by

women

of female stafftake childcare

leave*

70% 42% 98%

China’s largest clinical

CRO

No. of group companies

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd.

Company facilities and products of Hua Xin Pharmaceutical that boast over 50% share of the Chinese market

No. of qualified staff 822 CRCs: 963

33.4% 42.1%Staff with masters degrees Clinical laboratory technicians

Pharmacists

Pharmacists

MRsNurses/Assistant nurses

Clinical laboratory technicians Nurses Pharmacists

EP-SOGO Co., Ltd. EP PharmaLine Co., Ltd.

18.6% 30.6%

36.0%

25.6%4.5% 2.1% Nurses 3.2% Nationally registered

dietitians 2.6%5.9%

EPS Corporation

(as of 30 September 2017)Specialist network supporting growth

Simultaneously pursuing sustainable growth, promoting organizational reform, and human capital development.

Evolution 3

Approx.

1,112No. of qualified staff Employees1,792 843No. of

qualified staff Employees1,250

65 65

Page 7: 27th Business Report - eps-holdings.co.jp · 610 CSO 426 CRO 30,004 SMO 14,016 CSO 8,303 28,123 SMO 10,961 CSO 7,509 46,593 52,323 7,021 8,837 Net sales (Millions of yen) Operating

In the pharmaceutical business, following a capital and business alliance with Suzuken (i.e., a major pharmaceutical wholesaler) formed in September 2016, we acquired a Chinese pharmaceuticals manufacturer, Hua Xian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai Hua Xin High Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) in October 2016. In tandem with the research and development functions of the EPS Group, an integrated service system has been constructed to cover all operations in China, from development of medicines to manufacturing and sales.

We will strengthen our pharmaceutical business by taking advantage of Hua Xin Pharmaceutical and develop it as a products business that combines the agency sales of Japanese-made medical devices and manufacturing of own-brand products.

Consistently strengthening the pharmaceutical business

In August 2017, a strategic alliance was formed with Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereafter Tigermed), China’s largest clinical CRO, for joint operations of a general CRO business focused on healthcare and pharmaceutical data services. By adding Tigermed’s service domains to existing services such as data management and statistical analysis that the EPS Group has been offering in China, we are implementing initiatives to grow the Chinese CRO market.

Tigermed has an established record of achievements and is trusted as a blue-chip company in mainland China. We are hoping that the partnership with this reputable local company will lead to development of the CRO business and the expansion of earnings, as well as an increase in corporate value over the medium to long-term.

We are steadily implementing organization reform in line with expanding the group business portfolio. In 2015, the EPS Group adopted a holding company structure in order to promote individual company independence and autonomy throughout the organization. Subsequently, in 2017, dual-axis matrix-based organizational operations were introduced: business management by segment and administrative management by the holding company with the aim of enhancing group synergies.

At the same time, we are continuously investing in human capital, a source of growth. It is imperative to secure and nurture highly professional staff in order for the group to continue its evolution in the future. We have been recruiting a number of diverse human resources, including nurses and pharmacists, in order to improve and expand our network of specialized staff in each service area through well-developed education and training programs.

Strengthening CRO operations through a partnership with China’s largest clinical CRO

From the Frontlinein China

No. of professional staff

3,200over 30Approx.

19.2billion¥(for FY2016 based on an exchange rate of RMB 1 = ¥16)

Net sales

Women playing an active role in the Group.

As EPS Group businesses operate in an environment where women account for a high proportion of the workforce, it is an important issue that we create workplaces that offer equal opportunities regardless of gender. The Group strives to ensure that female staff are able to continue working throughout their life stages, including childbirth and child rearing. As part of these efforts, we have created a department dedicated to supporting women in their efforts to obtain employment after giving birth, short-time work/telework systems, providing nurseries inside the companies, and continuous improvements in these areas. Furthermore, we are proactively working to appoint women in managerial positions.

*Parameter = Female staff of the three key companies in Japan (i.e., EPS Corporation, EP-SOGO Co., Ltd., and EP PharmaLine Co., Ltd.) who have given birth

of our staff areare women

of managerialpositions areoccupied by

women

of female stafftake childcare

leave*

70% 42% 98%

China’s largest clinical

CRO

No. of group companies

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd.

Company facilities and products of Hua Xin Pharmaceutical that boast over 50% share of the Chinese market

No. of qualified staff 822 CRCs: 963

33.4% 42.1%Staff with masters degrees Clinical laboratory technicians

Pharmacists

Pharmacists

MRsNurses/Assistant nurses

Clinical laboratory technicians Nurses Pharmacists

EP-SOGO Co., Ltd. EP PharmaLine Co., Ltd.

18.6% 30.6%

36.0%

25.6%4.5% 2.1% Nurses 3.2% Nationally registered

dietitians 2.6%5.9%

EPS Corporation

(as of 30 September 2017)Specialist network supporting growth

Simultaneously pursuing sustainable growth, promoting organizational reform, and human capital development.

Evolution 3

Approx.

1,112No. of qualified staff Employees1,792 843No. of

qualified staff Employees1,250

65 65