Spring Valley, New York, November 3, 2004 — Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PRX) will make a presentation on Monday, November 8th at 10:30 a.m. EST at the CIBC World Markets Fifteenth Annual Healthcare Conference. The conference will be held at The Plaza at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, New York City.

You may link to the audio-only live webcast presentation through the CIBC website: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/cibcwm/healthcare04/56106221.cfm or through the Par Pharmaceutical website. A replay will be available at the same link address for up to 30 days after the conference, beginning three hours after the presentation.

Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets generic pharmaceuticals through its principal subsidiary, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., and its recently acquired subsidiary, Kali Laboratories, Inc. The company is also developing an additional line of branded pharmaceutical products for specialty markets and expects to introduce the first of these in 2005. Through its FineTech subsidiary, Par also develops and utilizes synthetic chemical processes to design and develop intermediate ingredients used in the production of finished products for the pharmaceutical industry. Par currently manufactures, markets or licenses more than 80 prescription drugs. For press release and other company information, visit http://www.parpharm.com.