French-German pharmaceutical group Aventis reported Friday a (H-per cent jump in net profit due to a strong US performance in 2(MM). its first year after being created in a merger.

Nel profit before one-off items soared 63 per cent from a year earlier to 1.126 billion euros (1.05 billion dollars) said Aventis, which calculated the previous year's figures on a pro-forma basis.

But after including the one-off costs of the December 1999 target of French firm Rhone-Poulenc and German group Hoechst. Aventis posted a loss ol 147 million euros, down from a loss of 1.365 billion euros in 1999.

Group net vales rose 9.1 pei cent to 22.301 hillion euros.

"The merger was a success .md we have created a new compam with excellent prospects Fa growth and value enhancement said a joint statement by chairman Jurgen Dormant! and vice chairman Jean-Rene 1 ourlou.

"The pharmaceutical businesses. the future core activity of Aventis, grew strongly, driven hy strategic products and the performance in the United States." it added.

'Our teams at Aventis Pharma met lite key targets for the submission and approval of new products \\e streamlined our busim ss portfolio anil, at the same lime, exceeded (hi rust-sating and synergy targ i • 11 i' w- announced when we lauO' In d \ventis.

Aventis said it expected its core pharmaceutical business to grow strongly due to above-average top-line growth driven by strategic products, which offered significant potential, particularly in the Uniled Stales.

"This will he supplemented by the positive impart of synergies, lower financing cosh and an improved lax rate.' chief financial officer Patrick langlois said.