Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsges. AG
DEWB sells its stake in EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG to Clinical Data B.V.
Jena (euro adhoc) -
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DEWB AG, Jena, has sold its 75.4 percent stake in EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG (Epidauros), Bernried. The buyer is Clinical Data B.V. based in Spankeren, the Netherlands. Clinical Data B.V. is the European subsidiary of the Nasdaq listed company Clinical Data Inc. with headquarters in Newton/Massachusetts, USA. The company, according to its own information worldwide leading supplier of comprehensive molecular and pharmacogenomics services as well as clinical diagnostics, is acquiring all the shares in Epidauros as part of the transaction. The contracting parties agreed on a purchase price of 8.75 million euros in cash, the DEWB share thereof amounts to approx. 6.6 million euros.
Epidauros is a leading provider of pharmacogenetic-related solutions with a particular focus on high quality clinical genotyping. Moreover, the company has built a broad patent portfolio concerning pharmacogenetically relevant markers. Over the last years, Epidauros has strongly expanded its Service business and prepared the development of diagnostic tests in the field of personalized medicine. DEWB has held an interest in the company since the end of 2000 and played an active role in assisting its development.
"This transaction is further evidence that even investments which were made during the highs in the markets at the end of the Millennium can be guided towards a successful exit with the help of intensive support" says Falk Nuber, member of the DEWB Management Board. "Even if we have not achieved our actual target return with Epidauros over the entire period of the investment, the exit will certainly make an appropriate contribution towards profits", continues Nuber.
The sale of Epidauros is a further step in the consistent implementation of the strategy to focus the investment portfolio on the areas of photonics and sensor systems. DEWB is currently evaluating further exit opportunities in order to drive forward the restructuring of the portfolio and in this way to concentrate on its technological core areas of expertise. The inflow of cash generated with the latest transaction is to be used for specific new investments within the focal area of technology.
About DEWB Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsgesellschaft AG (DEWB AG, Prime Standard, Securities No.: 804100 / ISIN: DE0008041005) is an investment company that specialises in young and established medium-sized companies. The focus of our investments is on strong growth companies from the areas of photonics and sensor systems for which we provide support through shareholders´ equity, expertise in corporate development and our sector network. Our regional focus lies in the German speaking countries (D, A, CH). Since 1997 we have invested more than 300 million Euros in 53 companies and realized more than 400 million Euros through 33 exits, eight of which were in the form of IPOs. The company is located in Jena, one of the most successful technology and science regions in Germany, with a long tradition in the field of optical technologies and one of the most important European centres for Photonics.
end of announcement euro adhoc 23.08.2007 16:08:44
Further inquiry note:
Mirko Wäckerle
DEWB AG
Phone: +49 (0) 3641 573 3600
Fax: +49 (0) 3641 573 3610
E-Mail: ir@dewb-vc.com
www.dewb-vc.com
Branche: Financial & Business Services
ISIN: DE0008041005
WKN: 804100
Index: CDAX, Classic All Share, Prime All Share
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / official dealing/prime standard
Börse Berlin / free trade
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