Frontpage Investors Corporate Governance Risks Oriola has specified the company’s risk management model, principles, organisation and process in its Risk management policy. The Group also has a Code of Conduct policy and a Treasury policy covering compliance and financial risks. The internal control and risk management systems are related to Oriola’s financial reporting. Oriola operates in regulated pharmaceutical distribution and retail markets monitored by authorities in both operating countries. The main megatrends impacting Oriola’s business environment are ageing of the population, increased spending on health and wellbeing, growth in speciality pharmaceuticals, the digitalisation of the retail trade and services, sustainability as well as possible pandemics. Oriola has identified the following principal strategic and operational risks that may have an adverse impact on the results: Changes in the pharmaceutical market regulation and related licences, pricing, parallel import and public reimbursement, as well as increased competition through the growing number of companies and pharmacies in e-commerce, the decreasing share of single channel distribution in public healthcare, and the loss of several key pharmaceutical company agreements. In addition, the changes in the resources of public healthcare as well as restrictions set by the authorities on companies’ businesses and citizens’ mobility caused by the pandemic may have an adverse impact on Oriola’s result. The main financial risks for Oriola involve currency rate, liquidity, interest rate and credit risks. Changes in the value of the Swedish krona have an impact on Oriola’s net sales, earnings and consolidated statement of financial position. Changes in cash flow forecasts may cause impairment of goodwill. More information about financial risk management can be found in note 8.3. in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Near-term risks and uncertainty factors Oriola’s strategic development projects involve operational risks which may have an effect on the profitability when realised. Oriola has several significant IT system projects ongoing. The company has defined separate risk management plans for all IT projects and aims to ensure the seamless go-lives of the systems through thorough planning. The ramp-up of the expansion and automation of the distribution centre in Sweden was completed in the last quarter of 2020. The process optimisation and efficiency improvements will continue in this area. The continuation of the pandemic might slow down the progress in these. During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed Oriola’s operating environment as the restrictions set by the authorities and consumer caution impacted the consumer behaviour. The measures caused by the pandemic have led to the decrease of healthcare services as well as affected the demand for pharmaceuticals and health and wellbeing products. This has inevitably also had an impact on Oriola’s business. As the pandemic continues, Oriola’s business environment stays volatile, which may have an impact on Oriola’s net sales and profitability. The impacts of the pandemic on the valuation of Oriola’s assets are closely monitored. Based on the assessments, COVID-19 pandemic is currently not expected to have such long-term impacts on Oriola’s financial performance, that would require adjustments to the carrying amounts of the assets. Oriola is prepared for the risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the contingency planning, the company has considered especially securing the health of its personnel, availability of workforce, safety in distribution centres and pharmacies as well as growing need for pharmaceutical stocking. In addition, Oriola is actively discussing with both customers and authorities about quickly changing needs and their management. Oriola has also increased its readiness and competencies related to remote work and meeting customers remotely. Oriola is from time to time involved in legal actions, claims and other proceedings. It is Oriola’s policy to provide for amounts related to the proceedings if liability is probable and such amounts can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Taking into account all available information to date, the legal actions, claims and other proceedings are not expected to have material impact on the financial position of the Group. Risk management The Board of Directors of Oriola approves the company’s risk management policy in which the risk management operating model, principles, responsibilities and reporting are specified. The Board assess the Company’s long-term strategic risks and oversees the effectiveness of the risk management. The Board-appointed Audit Committee regularly reviews and monitors the implementation of the risk management policy in the Group and the risk management process. Oriola has specified the company’s risk management model, principles, organisation and process in the Group Risk Management Policy. The Group Risk Management Policy defines the enterprise risk management system, objectives, roles and responsibilities within Oriola in order to identify and manage risks related to execution of the Company’s strategy and operations. The Group Risk Management Policy is the main risk management document within Oriola and must be followed by all Oriola business units, subsidiaries and entities. Additionally, the Group has a Code of Conduct policy, a Treasury policy and an Approval policy covering compliance and financial risks. Oriola’s risks are classified as strategic, operational, financial and hazard risks. Risk assessment and management are key elements in the strategic planning, operations and daily decision making in the company. Oriola Contact us Follow us Linkedin Facebook Log in to digital services About us Services Products Investors Sustainability Career Newsroom Privacy policy Copyright (C) 2006-2021