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This Code of Conduct and Business Ethics was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Links & Links Surveillance Council. This code describes the values, principles and practices for conducting business in Links & Links. It reflects the objective of the Directors to reinforce the application of ethical standards throughout the company, as well as to create a healthy work environment to promote integrity, respect and fairness. Links & Links’ management is convinced that it is in the best interest of the company to strictly follow a policy of legality, high standards and social responsibility in all business activities.
This code is applicable to our employees and suppliers, as well as to the members of the Board of Directors and Surveillance Council.
A.- Compliance of the Company Regulations
Links & Links strives to conduct business following all applicable laws, norms and regulations and according to high ethical principles. Links & Links complies with all industrial codes applicable to the pharmaceutical industry. The company’s reputation, in terms of integrity, quality and honesty, is based on this commitment and contributes to our long-standing success.
B.- Company Responsibility
Links & Links operates in a responsible manner from the social-economic and environmental point of view.
Links & Linkscomplies with sustainable development practices. We make every effort to efficiently use natural resources and reduce environmental repercussions.
We prioritize the health and safety of our employees, neighbors, clients, consumers and other parties affected by our business activities, as well as environmental protection.
Links & Linksensures that our processes, technologies and products comply with government norms or company norms. Quality represents an integral part of all our operations.
As a company based on research, Links & Links is dedicated to managing information and making it available to decision-makers in the private and public markets. In the search for different information input to resolve unmet needs in the healthcare market, Links & Links makes the best use of the possibility of existing medical, scientific and technological potential to promote a culture of open dialogue and continuously analyze the benefits and risks of decisions based on Disease Management.
Links & Links respects the principles of biomedical research of our clients in the pharmaceutical industry, placing special emphasis in the autonomy and integrity of the patients.
C.- Loyal Competition
Links & Links believes that loyal competition is best for the consumer’s well-being. The company conducts business in an active, competent and ethical manner in compliance with the laws to prevent monopolies and promote loyal competition and commerce in the respective markets to avoid unfair advantages over any client, supplier or competitor.
D.- Anticorruption Policy
Links & Linksopposes corruption and bribery and does not tolerate unjust business practices. It is not permitted for any Links & Links employee to offer, receive or accept any type of benefit that might negatively affect or appear to affect the ability to make objective and fair business decisions.
No employee can claim, accept or offer personal advantages directly or indirectly related to their professional activity, particularly in terms of the negotiation, concession or execution of any work-related activity.
It is prohibited for Links & Links’ employees to illegally influence business partners or government representatives in any way.
A business activity is not of interest to us if it is only possible through some form of bribery (regardless of the amount) or vulnerability of the antimonopoly policies or other legal or business regulations. An increase in sales cannot justify an illegal or unethical business activity. The company adheres to this belief in Mexico and in any other Latin American country where we provide our services.
Links & Links does not hold social get-togethers or meals with clients. All meetings are strictly professional and business. If a client wishes to discuss a business aspect over breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Board of Directors must be consulted to determine the best possible approach in terms of the policies and procedures.
Links & Links does not offer gifts or material benefits to clients. The activity of value offered by Links & Links is our service, professionalism and strategic value of the information we provide.
Penalties will be assessed to the individual or company that does not comply with these anticorruption policies. Incompliance is sanctioned by warnings, need for restitution or terminating the work contract, depending on the degree of severity.
Authorities, shareholders, communication mediums, competitors and other groups strictly comply with our standards.
Incompliance can damage our reputation, cause us to lose clients, harm our operative results and provoke a loss of confidence with our shareholders and clients. Our anticorruption policy is ZERO TOLERANCE TO CORRUPTION.
E.- Use of privileged and confidential information
Links & Links restricts our employees from using any privileged information. This restriction particularly applies to employees that have access to non-public information on the National Healthcare System or companies with whom we do business. This privileged information includes strategic plans, new products or new processes; fusions, pipelines, purchases or investments in business areas or markets; problems that affect Links & Links or affect a business partner; sales; profitability; business dealings in terms of contracts or significant business relations; relevant litigations; financial data.
Links & Links prohibits employees from using or sharing confidential information from clients, suppliers or any other source that may affect the confidentiality of the information.
It is our policy that all personal information on our employees, patients, clients, partners, business contacts or suppliers be kept confidential. The protection of this information is of utmost importance to maintain trust and confidence with our clients.
For this, Links & Links applies internal regulations and confidentiality agreements, which must be signed by all employees every year.
F.- Fair work conditions
Links & Links is a socially responsible company and our employees are a valuable asset. The company demands full commitment from our employees and, in turn, shares the business success accordingly. Links & Links is committed to providing a work environment in which diversity and richness of international culture is cherished. Links & Links’ human resource policies and activities create a work environment in which each individual has the opportunity for professional and personal growth. Links & Links respects each individual and promotes open interchange of opinions, criticism and ideas.
Links & Links is committed to offer equal employment opportunities and does not tolerate illegal discrimination or harassment of any type. Threats or acts of violence or physical intimidation are prohibited. Use of illegal drugs in the workplace is not tolerated.
G.- Conflict of interest
A “conflict of interest” is defined as a person with private interests that differ from those of Links & Links. In conflicting situations, the company interests should not be affected. Conflicts of interest can arise in numerous situations that require special attention, including the following:
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Employees should not receive undue personal benefit as a result of their position in Links & Links, nor other means of enrichment through access to confidential information.
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All employees have the obligation to promote the legitimate interests of Links & Links when the opportunity arises. Employees should not take advantage of opportunities or make use of confidential property or information, nor take advantage of their position for personal benefit, or directly or indirectly compete with the company.
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Employees are prohibited from acting as consultants, directors, employees or advisors in external businesses that may negatively affect their performance, unless this service has been approved by Links & Links.
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Links & Links motivates our employees to participate in community services or charity activities. However, employees must ensure that external activities, including those of charitable or honorary character, do not cause conflicts of interests or are not incompatible with their employment with Links & Links.
H.- Protection and appropriate use of assets
Employees are collectively responsible for protecting all Links & Links property and for using it appropriately and efficiently. In addition, each employee has the obligation to protect all Links & Links property from loss, damage, poor usage, robbery, misappropriation or destruction. Any situation or incident that may lead to this must be immediately communicated to a superior or manager.
J.- Internal communication of policies, procedures and code of conduct
If an employee has concerns or complaints regarding the content of this code, including possible infractions of this code, he or she must immediately discuss this with a superior or manager to resolve the issue. This can be done anonymously, confidentially or by other means. If the resolution is not satisfactory to the employee, or if the employee feels it is not appropriate to communicate their concern or complaint to their superior, it must be communicated to the Human Resources Department. Links & Links does not allow retaliation for complaints of good faith as established in this code.
K.- Responsibility of compliance:
All personnel, as well as members of the Board and of the Council, are obligated to comply with the norms established in this Code. Violation of this code may lead to consequences. In severe cases, such consequences may include the cessation of the position or the suspension or discontinuation of the work relationship.
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