SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    --------

                                    FORM 6-K

                        REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
                      PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         For the month of October, 2002.

                                  Serono S.A.
                    ----------------------------------------
                              (Registrant's Name)

                            15 bis, Chemin des Mines
                                Case Postale 54
                                CH-1211 Geneva 20
                                  Switzerland
                    ----------------------------------------
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                    1-15096
                    ----------------------------------------
                              (Commission File No.)

     (Indicate  by  check  mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

     Form  20-F   X     Form  40-F
                -----              -----

     (Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  by  furnishing  the
information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the  Commission  pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.)

     Yes          No    X
         -------     -------

     (If  "Yes"  is  marked,  indicate  below  the  file  number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  82-      )
                                                  ------



                                                                          SERONO

MEDIA  RELEASE

FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE
-----------------------

          SERONO REPORTS STRONG GROWTH WITH THIRD QUARTER SALES UP 18%

                    -FOUR MAJOR BUSINESS AGREEMENTS SIGNED-


GENEVA,  SWITZERLAND, OCTOBER 23, 2002 - Serono S.A. (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA)
today  reported  its  third  quarter  results for the period ended September 30,
2002.


Financial  highlights

-    Product sales up 18.2% to $349.3m

-    Strong Rebif(R) growth of 46.1% to $139.4m (US $18.0m, RoW $121.4m)

-    Strong Gonal-F(R) sales of $104.5m, up 22.7%

-    Reported net income up 16.9% to $74.5m, and up 39.1% on a like-for-like*
     basis

-    EPS of $4.68 per equivalent bearer share and $0.12 per ADS

-    Net cash flow from operating activities up 27.8% in the first nine months
     to $380.1m


Key  events

-    Agreement with Pfizer to co-promote Rebif(R) in the US

-    Agreement with Genentech to develop and market Raptiva(TM) for psoriasis
     and other potential indications

-    Agreement with AstraZeneca to develop and market anastrozole for ovulation
     induction and improvement of follicular development

-    Positive results of two Serostim(R) clinical trials

-    Genset tender offer was successful


"I  am  very  pleased  to  be  announcing excellent third quarter results," said
Ernesto  Bertarelli,  Chief  Executive  Officer  of Serono.  "In addition to the
strong  performance of our existing franchises it has been a very active quarter
with  the  conclusion  of  a  number  of  significant  agreements  which further
strengthen  our  business."


                                     -more-

* Excluding one-time  initial  payments  related to signature of agreements with
Genentech  and  AstraZeneca



THIRD  QUARTER  FINANCIAL  PERFORMANCE

Worldwide  product sales were $349.3m in the third quarter, an increase of 18.2%
(2001:  $295.4m)  or  12.1% in local currencies, and $1,013.7m in the first nine
months  of  2002,  up  11.3%  (2001:  $911.0m)  or  10.0%  in  local currencies.

During  the third quarter of 2002, the weakness of the US dollar has resulted in
a  positive  currency  impact  of  $18.0m  on  total  product  sales.

Royalty  and  licensing  income  was  up 25.4% to $33.2m (2001: $26.5m), largely
reflecting  an  increase  in  licensing  income  derived  from  the $200m Pfizer
payment,  which  is being amortised over the lifetime of the agreement at $17.4m
per  year.

Total  revenues  increased  by  18.8%  to  $382.5m  (2001:  $321.9m).

The  gross margin was 83.2% of product sales (2001: 83.1%) in the third quarter,
and  84.4%  in  the  first  nine  months  (2001:  82.3%).

Selling,  General  and  Administrative expenses were $122.2m or 35.0% of product
sales  (2001:  $104.1m  or  35.2%  of  product  sales).

Reported  Research  and  Development  expenses  were $101.3m or 29.0% of product
sales  (2001:  $78.8m  or  26.7%  of  product  sales).  This  quarterly increase
reflects three factors: the one-time initial payment to Genentech related to the
Raptiva(TM)  agreement,  the  one-time  initial  payment  to  AstraZeneca  for
anastrozole, and the start of the integration of Genset in September.  Excluding
the  one-time  payments  to  Genentech  and  AstraZeneca,  R&D  expenses  on  a
like-for-like  basis  were  $84.3m,  or  24.1%  of  sales.

Operating  income was $76.9m or 22.0% of product sales (2001: $69.7m or 23.6% of
product  sales).  Excluding the one-time R&D expenses mentioned above, operating
income on a like-for-like basis grew 34.7% to $93.9m, or 26.9% of sales.

Net  financial  income  was  $13.2m  (2001:  $9.4m).

Total  taxes  were  $14.8m,  representing an overall tax rate of 16.5% of profit
before  tax  (2001:  $15.0m).

Reported net income grew 16.9% to $74.5m or 21.3% of product sales (2001: $63.8m
or  21.6%  of  product  sales).  Excluding  the  one-time R&D expenses mentioned
above,  net  income  on  a like-for-like basis grew 39.1% to $88.7m, or 25.4% of
sales.  Reported basic earnings per share (EPS) were $4.68 per equivalent bearer
share (2001: $3.97) and $0.12 per American Depositary Share (ADS) (2001: $0.10).

For  the  nine  months  ended  September  30, 2002, net cash flow from operating
activities  was  $380.1m,  up 27.8% compared to $297.5m for same period of 2001.


                                     -more-



STRONG  WORLDWIDE  GROWTH  OF  REBIF

In  the third quarter 2002, worldwide sales of Rebif(R) (interferon beta 1-a) in
multiple  sclerosis  increased  by  46.1%  to  $139.4m  (2001:  $95.4m).

Building  on  the  excellent US launch in March 2002, sales in the US maintained
their  momentum  in  the third quarter, reaching $18.0m. At the end of the third
quarter,  over  8,000  patients  were  being  treated  with  Rebif(R) in the US.

Rebif(R)  is market leader outside the US, a position it has held since Q2 2001,
with  sales  of Rebif(R) in the rest of the world increasing by 27.2% to $121.4m
(2001:  $95.4m).

Rebif(R)  sales  in the year to date were $377.3m (2001: $269.1m), up 40.2%.  In
the  fourth  quarter  the  co-promotion  with Pfizer has started, as well as the
Direct  To  Consumer  campaign  in  the  US, and the publication of the 12 month
EVIDENCE  data  in  the  peer reviewed journal Neurology is also expected in the
fourth  quarter.

RECORD  GROWTH  OF  GONAL-F  SALES

In  the  third  quarter  2002,  worldwide reproductive health sales were $147.7m
(2001:  $121.5m),  an increase of 21.5%.  Sales of Gonal-F(R) (recombinant human
FSH) increased by 22.7% to $104.5m (2001: $85.2m) in the third quarter, and were
up  9.4%  to  $329.2m  (2001:  $300.8m)  in  the  year  to  date.

GROWTH  HORMONE

Saizen(R)  sales  were  $29.0m  (2001:  $28.5m)  during  the  third quarter, and
increased by 12.3% to $88.0m (2001: $78.4) in the first nine months.

Serostim(R)  sales were $24.4m (2001: $36.1m) in the third quarter and $68.6m in
the  first  nine months. In July, Serono announced positive results of two major
clinical  trials  of  Serostim(R)  for  the  treatment  of  AIDS-wasting  and
HIV-associated  adipose  redistribution syndrome (HARS) at the XIV International
AIDS  Conference.  Subsequently, positive 24-week results of Serostim(R) in HARS
were  announced  at  ICAAC  on  September  30.

On October 2, Serono announced the implementation of the new Serostim(R) Secured
Distribution  program  in  order  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the product,
providing the ability to track each individual box of Serostim(R) from Serono to
the  contracted  network  pharmacy.

REGIONAL  SALES

North  American  sales  grew by 26.1% to $118.3m (2001: $93.8m).  European sales
increased by 21.8% to $152.5m (2001: $125.3m).  Sales in the Middle East, Africa
and  Eastern  Europe  were  up  32.1%  to $24.7m (2001: $18.7m), and up 26.4% in
Oceania to $5.9m.  Economic conditions in Latin America, particularly in Brazil,
affecting  currency  as  well as demand, caused a fall in third quarter sales of
22.3%  to  $26.0m.


                                     -more-



MAJOR  AGREEMENTS  SIGNED

Serono  received an exclusive license from Genentech on August 8, 2002 to market
Raptiva(TM) (efalizumab) in moderate-to-severe psoriasis internationally outside
of  the  United  States, Japan, and certain other Asian countries.  On September
17th,  Serono  confirmed  that  it  plans  to  submit  a marketing authorization
application  in  Europe  for  Raptiva(TM)  during  the  first  quarter  of 2003,
following  the  announcement  by  Genentech  and XOMA of positive and consistent
results  in  a  third  Phase  III  efficacy  trial.

On  July  23, Serono signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with AstraZeneca by
which  Serono  has  the  rights  to  develop,  register and market the aromatase
inhibitor  anastrozole  in  ovulation  induction  and  improvement of follicular
development.  Phase II in this indication is due to start in the fourth quarter.

On  September  23,  Serono  announced  that  its cash offers for Genset had been
successful.  This  acquisition enhances our capabilities in genetics to identify
and validate new targets and therapeutic proteins.  As a result of the offers in
France and the United States which closed on September 12, Serono holds 85.9% of
the capital and voting rights of Genset (86.6% on a diluted basis).  This result
satisfies  the offers' minimum tender condition of two thirds of the capital and
voting  rights  of  Genset  on  a  diluted  basis.  In  order  to  enable Genset
shareholders  who  have not yet tendered their securities to participate, Serono
reopened  the  offers  for  a subsequent period which will expire on October 31,
2002.

SHARE  BUY  BACK

On  July  15  Serono  announced  a  share buy back program for the repurchase of
bearer  shares  up  to  a  value  of  CHF  500m over a three year period.  As of
September 30, 195,670 shares had been purchased on the open market, representing
CHF152.2m  of  the  authorised  amount.

OUTLOOK  FOR  THE  FULL  YEAR  2002

Taking  into  consideration results and licensing activities to date, prevailing
economic  conditions  and  the  acquisition of Genset, our guidance for the full
year  remains at total product sales growth greater than 10% in local currencies
and  net  income  growth  of  around  10%.

R&D  DAY

We  will  be  providing an update of our activities at our R&D Days in London on
December  2nd  and  in  New  York on December 4th. The meeting in London will be
webcast.


                                     -more-



CONFERENCE  CALL  AND  WEBCAST

Serono  will  hold  a  conference  call  today, October 23, 2002, starting 15.00
Central  European  Time  (9.00  A.M.  Eastern Daylight Time) during which Serono
Management  will  present the Company's Third Quarter 2002 Results.  To join the
telephone  conference please dial 091 610 4111 (from Switzerland), 0207 866 4111
(from  the  UK),  +41  91  610 4111 (from the rest of Europe) and 1 412 858 4600
(from  the  US).  Telephone  playback  will  be  available  one  hour  after the
conference  call and until close of business CET on Friday October 25. To access
this  playback  please  dial  the  following  numbers:  091  612  4330  (from
Switzerland),  +41  91  612 4330 (from Europe) and +1 412 858 1440 (from the US)
and  enter  the  PIN  code  242#  from  a  touch  tone  telephone.

The  event  will  also be relayed by live audio webcast which interested parties
may  access  via  Serono's  Corporate  home  page, www.serono.com. A link to the
webcast  will  be  provided  immediately  prior to the event.  Additionally, the
webcast  will  be  available  for  replay until close of business on 06 November
2002.


                                      ###

Some  of  the  statements  in  this  press  release  are  forward  looking. Such
statements  are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other  factors  that  may  cause  actual results, performance or achievements of
Serono  S.A.  and  affiliates  to be materially different from those expected or
anticipated  in  the  forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
based on Serono's current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by
a  number  of  factors, including those discussed in this press release and more
fully  described  in  Serono's  Annual  Report  on Form 20-F filed with the U.S.
Securities  and  Exchange Commission on May 21, 2002.  These factors include any
failure  or  delay  in  Serono's ability to develop new products, any failure to
receive  anticipated  regulatory  approvals,  any  problems  in  commercializing
current  products  as  a  result of competition or other factors, our ability to
obtain  reimbursement  coverage  for  our  products,  and government regulations
limiting  our  ability  to  sell  our  products. Serono has no responsibility to
update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect
events  or  circumstances  occurring  after  the  date  of  this  press release.

                                      ###


ABOUT  SERONO
Serono  is  a  global  biotechnology  leader.  The  Company  has six recombinant
products  on  the  market,  Gonal-F(R),  Luveris(R),  Ovidrel(R)/Ovitrelle(R),
Rebif(R),  Serostim(R) and Saizen(R) (Luveris(R) is not approved in the USA). In
addition  to  being  the  world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong
market  positions  in  neurology,  metabolism and growth. The Company's research
programs  are  focused  on  growing  these  businesses  and  on establishing new
therapeutic  areas. Currently, there are seventeen new molecules in development.

In 2001, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$1.38 billion, and a net income
of  US$317  million,  making  it  the third largest biotech company in the world
based  on  revenues.  The Company operates in 45 countries, and its products are
sold  in  over 100 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company,
are  traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on
the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  (SRA).


                                     -more-



For  more  information,  please  contact:

Serono  in  Geneva,  Switzerland:
Media  Relations:                     Investor  Relations:
Tel:     +41-22-739 36 00             Tel:     +41-22-739 36 01
Fax:     +41-22-739 30 85             Fax:     +41-22-739  30  22
http://www.serono.com                 Reuters:  SEOZ.VX  /  SRA.N
---------------------                 Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US

Serono,  Inc.,  Rockland,
MA
Media  Relations:
Tel.   +1  781  681  2340
Fax:  +1  781  681  2935
http://www.seronousa.com
-------------------------



On the following pages, there are:

     -    Tables detailing sales in dollars and local currencies by therapeutic
          area, geographic region and the top 10 products for the 3 and 9 months
          ended September 30, 2002 and 2001.

     -    The unaudited consolidated financial statements for the 3 and 9 months
          ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, including income statements,
          balance sheets and statements of cash flows, prepared in accordance
          with International Accounting Standards (I.A.S.).



                                     -more-





                                                SALES BY THERAPEUTIC AREA
                                                -------------------------
                         THREE MONTHS ENDED                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                   SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

                         $ MILLION   % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C  $ MILLION  % OF SALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     
Reproductive Health          147.7        42.3%        21.5%          16.4%     121.5        41.1%
Multiple Sclerosis           139.4        39.9%        46.1%          35.4%      95.4        32.3%
AIDS Wasting                  24.4         7.0%      (32.6%)        (32.6%)      36.1        12.2%
Growth                        29.0         8.3%         1.7%         (4.6%)      28.5         9.7%
Others                         8.9         2.5%      (35.7%)        (37.8%)      13.9         4.7%
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales (US$ million) $  349.3         100%        18.2%          12.1%  $  295.4         100%

                                                SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION
                                                --------------------------
                         THREE MONTHS ENDED                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                   SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

                         $ MILLION   % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C  $ MILLION  % OF SALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Europe                       152.5        43.7%        21.8%           8.9%     125.3        42.4%
North America                118.3        33.9%        26.1%          26.2%      93.8        31.8%
Latin America                 26.0         7.5%      (22.3%)        (22.3%)      33.5        11.3%
Others                        52.5        14.9%        22.3%          18.1%      42.8        14.5%
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales (US$ million) $  349.3         100%        18.2%          12.1%  $  295.4         100%

                                                SALES BY THERAPEUTIC AREA
                                                -------------------------
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                   SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

                         $ MILLION   % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C  $ MILLION  % OF SALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reproductive Health          456.1        45.0%         8.7%           7.9%     419.5        46.1%
Multiple Sclerosis           377.3        37.2%        40.2%          37.2%     269.1        29.5%
AIDS Wasting                  68.6         6.8%      (30.3%)        (30.2%)      98.3        10.8%
Growth                        88.0         8.7%        12.3%          10.7%      78.4         8.6%
Others                        23.7         2.3%      (48.0%)        (48.6%)      45.7         5.0%
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales (US$ million) $1'013.7         100%        11.3%          10.0%  $  911.0         100%

                                                SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION
                                                --------------------------
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                   SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

                         $ MILLION   % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C  $ MILLION  % OF SALES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Europe                       442.6        43.7%        13.8%          10.8%     388.8        42.7%
North America                333.7        32.9%        12.7%          13.0%     296.1        32.5%
Latin America                 83.4         8.2%      (10.0%)        (10.0%)      92.7        10.2%
Others                       154.0        15.2%        15.4%          14.7%     133.4        14.6%
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales (US$ million) $1'013.7         100%        11.3%          10.0%  $  911.0         100%



                                     -more-





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              TOP TEN PRODUCTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         THREE MONTHS ENDED                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 * TA   $ MILLION  % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C   $ MILLION   % OF SALES
                                                                  
Rebif(R)        MS          139.4        39.9%        46.1%          35.4%      95.4         32.3%
Gonal-F(R)      RH          104.5        29.9%        22.7%          17.3%      85.2         28.8%
Saizen(R)       Growth       29.0         8.3%         1.7%         (4.6%)      28.5          9.7%
Serostim(R)     Wasting      24.4         7.0%      (32.6%)        (32.6%)      36.1         12.2%
Pergonal(R)     RH           12.0         3.4%        32.4%          31.9%       9.1          3.1%
Metrodin HP(R)  RH           11.4         3.3%      (23.1%)        (27.2%)      14.8          5.0%
Profasi(R)      RH            4.7         1.3%      (10.8%)        (13.4%)       5.2          1.8%
Cetrotide(R)    RH            4.6         1.3%        61.5%          52.0%       2.9          1.0%
Crinone(R)      RH            4.0         1.1%       606.4%         598.3%      (0.8)       (0.3%)
Stilamin(R)     Other         3.8         1.1%         5.9%           2.6%       3.6          1.2%


                         NINE MONTHS ENDED                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 2002                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 * TA   $ MILLION  % OF SALES   % CHANGE $   % CHANGE L/C   $ MILLION   % OF SALES

Rebif(R)        MS          377.3        37.2%        40.2%          37.2%     269.1         29.5%
Gonal-F(R)      RH          329.2        32.5%         9.4%           8.4%     300.8         33.0%
Saizen(R)       Growth       88.0         8.7%        12.3%          10.7%      78.4          8.6%
Serostim(R)     Wasting      68.6         6.8%      (30.3%)        (30.2%)      98.3         10.8%
Metrodin HP(R)  RH           39.7         3.9%      (20.2%)        (20.2%)      49.8          5.5%
Pergonal(R)     RH           32.7         3.2%        25.0%          25.0%      26.2          2.9%
Profasi(R)      RH           14.8         1.5%      (14.6%)        (14.9%)      17.3          1.9%
Cetrotide(R)    RH           12.9         1.3%        93.7%          89.7%       6.7          0.7%
Stilamin(R)     Other        10.2         1.0%      (14.3%)        (15.0%)      11.9          1.3%
Crinone(R)      RH            7.8         0.8%       140.3%         140.3%       3.3          0.4%



                                 * THERAPEUTIC AREAS

     RH     =  Reproductive Health  Wasting     =  AIDS Wasting
     MS     =  Multiple Sclerosis   Growth      =  Growth Retardation


                                     -more-





CONSOLIDATED  INCOME  STATEMENTS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30               2002 *   %  OF               2001 *   % OF
                                              US$'000  SALES   % CHANGE   US$'000   SALES
                                                                     

REVENUES
Product sales                                 349'334  100.0%      18.2%  295'441   100.0%
Royalty and license income                     33'168              25.4%   26'458
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES                                382'502              18.8%  321'899
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses
Cost of product sales                          58'631   16.8%      17.1%   50'056    16.9%
Selling, general and administrative           122'185   35.0%      17.4%  104'066    35.2%
Research and development                      101'312   29.0%      28.6%   78'810    26.7%
Other operating expense, net                   23'505    6.7%      21.8%   19'299     6.5%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses                      305'633   87.5%      21.2%  252'231    85.4%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME                               76'869   22.0%      10.3%   69'668    23.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial income, net                          13'192              39.7%    9'446
Other expense, net                                656                         396
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Non Operating Income, Net                12'536                       9'050
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes and Minority Interests     89'405   25.6%      13.6%   78'718    26.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes                                          14'751                      14'957
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Minority Interests               74'654                      63'761
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority interests                                117                         (13)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                     74'537   21.3%      16.9%   63'774    21.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


* Unaudited


                                                 2002          % CHANGE      2001
Basic Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - Bearer shares                                 4.68              17.8%     3.97
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - Registered shares                             1.87              17.8%     1.59
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - American depositary shares                    0.12              17.8%     0.10
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------


Diluted Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - Bearer shares                                 4.67              18.0%     3.96
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - Registered shares                             1.87              18.0%     1.58
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------
 - American depositary shares                    0.12              18.0%     0.10
-----------------------------------------------------          ------------------



     Basic  earnings  per  share  are  calculated in accordance with IAS 33
     (Earnings  per Share) by dividing the net income of the group, US$74.5
     million  (2001  US$63.8  million), by an appropriate number of shares.
     This  is  11,532,883  bearer  shares  (2001 11,661,027) and 11,013,040
     registered  shares  (2001  11,013,040).  The  total  weighted  average
     equivalent number of bearer shares is 15,938,099 (2001 16,066,243) for
     the three months ended September 30, 2002. As each American depositary
     share represents ownership interest in one fortieth of a bearer share,
     basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share is calculated
     as  one  fortieth  of  the  earnings  per  bearer  share.
     For  diluted  earnings per share, the total number of bearer shares is
     adjusted  to  assume  conversion  of  all  share  options  granted  to
     employees and directors. The number of bearer shares used to calculate
     diluted  earnings  per  share  is  11,544,653  (2001  11,695,277).

                                     -more-





CONSOLIDATED  INCOME  STATEMENTS


NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30                 2002 *    %  OF                2001 *    %  OF
                                               US$'000   SALES   % CHANGE    US$'000    SALES
                                                                         

REVENUES
Product sales                                 1'013'701  100.0%      11.3%    910'966   100.0%
Royalty and license income                       90'745              (9.1%)    99'879
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES                                1'104'446               9.3%  1'010'845
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses
Cost of product sales                           158'584   15.6%      (1.6%)   161'175    17.7%
Selling, general and administrative             364'077   35.9%      13.7%    320'242    35.2%
Research and development                        262'681   25.9%      14.9%    228'519    25.1%
Other operating expense, net                     58'063    5.7%      13.1%     51'360     5.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses                        843'405   83.2%      10.8%    761'296    83.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME                                261'041   25.8%       4.6%    249'549    27.4%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial income, net                            27'324             (43.6%)    48'437
Other expense, net                                1'833                         1'826
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Non Operating Income, Net                  25'491                        46'611
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes and Minority Interests      286'532   28.3%      (3.3%)   296'160    32.5%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes                                            47'278                        56'270
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Minority Interests                239'254                       239'890
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority interests                                   62                           (94)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                      239'192   23.6%      (0.3%)   239'984    26.3%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Unaudited



                                                   2002          % CHANGE        2001
Basic Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - Bearer shares                                  14.92             (0.1%)      14.94
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - Registered shares                               5.97             (0.1%)       5.98
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - American depositary shares                      0.37             (0.1%)       0.37
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------

Diluted Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - Bearer shares                                  14.90             (0.0%)      14.91
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - Registered shares                               5.96             (0.0%)       5.96
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------
 - American depositary shares                      0.37             (0.0%)       0.37
-------------------------------------------------------          --------------------


     Basic  earnings  per  share  are  calculated in accordance with IAS 33
     (Earnings per Share) by dividing the net income of the group, US$239.2
     million  (2001  US$240.0 million), by an appropriate number of shares.
     This  is  11,625,344  bearer  shares  (2001 11,659,064) and 11,013,040
     registered  shares  (2001  11,013,040).  The  total  weighted  average
     equivalent number of bearer shares is 16,030,560 (2001 16,064,280) for
     the  nine months ended September 30, 2002. As each American depositary
     share represents ownership interest in one fortieth of a bearer share,
     basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share is calculated
     as  one  fortieth  of  the  earnings  per  bearer  share.
     For  diluted  earnings per share, the total number of bearer shares is
     adjusted  to  assume  conversion  of  all  share  options  granted  to
     employees and directors. The number of bearer shares used to calculate
     diluted  earnings  per  share  is  11,643,162  (2001  11,691,075).


                                     -more-





CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE  SHEETS


As of                                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 *   December 31, 2001
                                                                       US$ 000                US$ 000
                                                                                 
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents                                                    586'051           1'131'091
Short-term investments                                                       340'804             344'413
Trade accounts receivable                                                    275'763             234'490
Inventories                                                                  243'014             196'063
Prepaid expenses                                                              39'493              21'857
Other current assets                                                         193'815             134'955
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets                                                       1'678'940           2'062'869
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term Assets
Property, plant and equipment                                                511'696             460'767
Intangible assets                                                            200'245             110'615
Long-term financial assets                                                   778'958             241'009
Deferred tax assets                                                          107'948             107'115
Other long-term assets                                                        44'749              36'394
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Long-Term Assets                                                     1'643'596             955'900
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                               3'322'536           3'018'769
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Bank advances                                                                 89'647             154'295
Trade accounts payable                                                        53'895              60'151
Current portion of long-term debt                                             20'480              18'959
Income taxes                                                                  55'300              55'948
Other current liabilities                                                    270'606             246'157
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities                                                    489'928             535'510
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt                                                                32'870              37'325
Deferred tax liabilities                                                       9'382               9'003
Other long-term liabilities                                                  424'756             217'430
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Long-Term Liabilities                                                  467'008             263'758
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                            956'936             799'268
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority Interests                                                             5'356                 587
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital                                                                249'925             252'955
Share premium                                                                879'884             966'295
Retained earnings                                                          1'283'039           1'108'086
Fair value reserves                                                          (44'103)            (25'135)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments                           (8'501)            (83'287)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                 2'360'244           2'218'914
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY             3'322'536           3'018'769
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*  Unaudited

                                     -more-





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


Nine months ended September 30                                           2002 *     2001 *
                                                                        US$ 000     US$ 000
                                                                             


Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Income before taxes and minority interests                               286'532     296'160
Depreciation and amortization                                             74'432      74'566
Financial income                                                         (50'644)    (64'080)
Financial expense                                                          7'735      10'640
Other non-cash items                                                         656      13'776
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities Before Working Capital Changes      318'711     331'062
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Working Capital Changes
Trade accounts payable, other current liabilities and deferred income    162'574      (7'857)
Trade accounts receivable                                                (22'340)    (16'901)
Inventories                                                               (8'362)    (20'605)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                (22'539)     40'792
Taxes paid                                                               (47'985)    (29'026)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities                                 380'059     297'465
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Short-term investments                                                   292'249   1'215'763
Acquisition of subsidiary                                                (98'950)          -
Intangible and other long-term assets                                    (13'318)    (34'921)
Investments in long-term financial assets                               (843'442)          -
Capital expenditures                                                     (71'062)    (51'967)
Disposals of fixed assets                                                 10'646       9'315
Other non-current liabilities                                             (5'606)      2'151
Interest received                                                         33'141      72'381
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Flows From Investing Activities                                (696'342)  1'212'722
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Bank advances                                                            (71'909)      8'056
Payments on long-term debt                                                (9'073)    (64'036)
Proceeds from issuance of share capital                                   11'611           -
Proceeds from exercises of stock options                                   1'384       1'502
Purchase of treasury shares                                              (96'582)     (5'579)
Interest paid                                                             (5'958)     (9'989)
Dividends paid                                                           (64'240)    (53'759)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Flows From Financing Activities                                (234'767)   (123'805)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents               6'010       1'823
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                               (545'040)  1'388'205
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cash and Cash Equivalents
- Beginning of period                                                  1'131'091     223'009
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- End of period                                                          586'051   1'611'214
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*  Unaudited


                                      -end-



                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant  to  the  requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has  duly  caused  this  report  to  be  signed on its behalf by the
undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized.



                                      SERONO  S.A.
                                      a  Swiss  corporation
                                      (Registrant)



October 23, 2002                      By: /s/ Jacques Theurillat
                                             ------------------------------
                                      Name:  Jacques Theurillat
                                      Title: Deputy Chief Executive Officer