Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsges. AG
DEWB posts positive result following the sale of EPIDAUROS
Jena, 9 November 2007 (euro adhoc) -
- Return to new investment activity - Continuation of the focus on photonics and sensor systems - Assets under management increased to more than 70 million euros
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companies/Interim report
In the first nine months of 2007 Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel- Beteiligungsgesellschaft AG (DEWB) generated 6.6 million euros from the sale of shares in companies. The gross result of the investment business totaled 1.2 million euros with the operating result (EBIT) and result after taxes coming in at 0.1 million euros. This corresponds to earnings per share of 0.01 euros. In the same period for the previous year income from the sale of shares totaled 9.5 million euros. The EBIT and result after taxes were 1.4 million euros respectively. However, this comparison between periods is of only minimal relevance due to the significant fluctuations in sales and earnings, a characteristic feature of the investment business.
In addition to the consistent further development of its investments, over recent months DEWB has taken a number of key measures for its own development. The sale of EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG is the first of the heralded exits. The sale represents part of the strategy of focusing the portfolio on the core areas of expertise, photonics and sensor systems. "DEWB will be pressing ahead with the realignment of the portfolio in order to further optimize its value. We are currently conducting sales negotiations with interested parties for other investment holdings from the areas of IT and biotechnology. These are fields from which we intend to gradually withdraw so that in future we can invest in photonics and sensor system companies which offer highly promising prospects", explains Bertram Köhler, Member of the DEWB AG Management Board.
DEWB´s investment in the Jena-based Zenteris GmbH represents its return to new investment activity following a three-year break. Over recent years the funds have been used for the portfolio company´s development and to reduce its debt. Investments were made exclusively in existing portfolio companies. "The new commitment to Zenteris was a transaction that points the way ahead: DEWB has made an active return to new business. We are currently looking at a series of additional, very attractive investment opportunities within the area of our technology focus. Over the months ahead we will be significantly strengthening our new investment activity and establishing DEWB as a leading, independent capital provider for photonics and sensor systems within the German-speaking region", says Köhler in summary.
In order to provide the financial resources required for this the company raised additional capital through a convertible bond in October. The bond, with an issue volume of 20 million euros, was clearly over-subscribed and placed both with shareholders as well as new international investors. DEWB´s assets under management have therefore increased to more than 70 million euros. The aim is to increase this figure to more than 100 million euros by 2010 by enhancing the value of the portfolio investments.
For more detailed information on the course of business during the first nine months of 2007 please refer to our interim report as at September 30, 2007 which is published today and is available on our Internet site: www.dewb-vc.com.
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 09.11.2007 08:33:15
Further inquiry note:
Marco Scheidler
Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 573-3600
E-Mail: marco.scheidler@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
Börse Stuttgart / free trade
Börse München / free trade