Astellas Relocates European HQ and UK Operations to Accommodate new Growth

Chertsey, England (ots/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(R) 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

ots Originaltext: Astellas Pharma Europe Limited
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Mindy Dooa, Corporate Communications Director, Tel:
+44-(0)203-379-8035 / +44-7826-912-339, Mindy.dooa@eu.astellas.com