British drugs firm Zeneca Group plc, which employs over 60 people in Ireland, said its profit before tax slipped to £619 million sterling in 1995, from £659 million, as restructuring costs and good will write offs took their toll. Zeneca shares surged 44p to £13.25 after news of the merger between Sandoz and Ciba Ceigy. Zeneca is seen as a prime bid candidate.