EANS-News: Epigenomics AG Plans Changes in the Composition and Size of its
Supervisory Board
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Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely
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Company Information/Supervisory Board
Berlin, Germany and Seattle, WA, U.S.A., March 16, 2012 (euro adhoc) -
Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the German-American cancer
molecular diagnostics company, announced today that it was decided to propose to
the shareholders of the company at its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on
May 2, 2012 to vote in favor of a reduction of the size of the Supervisory Board
from currently six to three members. Furthermore, the company's Chairman, Prof.
Dr. Dr. h.c. Rolf Krebs, announced that for personal reasons he will not stand
for re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
Prof. Dr. Rolf Krebs (72) has been a member of the Supervisory Board of
Epigenomics AG since 2000 and its Chairman since 2003. During this period, the
company has evolved from a privately held start-up research company to a
publicly listed, worldwide commercial leader in the field of blood based
products for the early detection of cancer.
The Supervisory Board has further resolved to propose Mr. Heino von Prondzynski
for election to the Supervisory Board by the Annual General Meeting. Mr. von
Prondzynski has indicated his willingness to accept the role as Chairman of the
Supervisory Board in case of his election.
Heino von Prondzynski (62) is an internationally recognized expert and
accomplished business leader in the field of molecular diagnostics with an
extensive network of contacts in the US, Asia and Europe. Among other career
accomplishments, he has been CEO of the diagnostics division of F. Hoffmann-La
Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland and a member of the corporate executive committee
of Roche. He is intimately acquainted with the company, having been a member of
the Supervisory Board of Epigenomics from May 2007 until March 2010.
Prof. Dr. Rolf Krebs said: "I have made a decision not to stand for re-election
at the next Annual General Meeting after careful deliberation. Heino von
Prondzynski represents an excellent and very committed candidate who is eager to
take the responsibility as Chairman at a decisive point in the company's
history. I certainly will keep following the developments at Epigenomics
closely, knowing that the company has taken several critical steps to move into
the right direction. I am very proud of the accomplishments the company has made
thus far and believe it is the right time to set a clear signal for a change. I
will do my utmost to ensure a smooth transition going forward. I wish success to
Epigenomics and to my successor."
The proposed changes to the Supervisory Board structure and composition have
been thoroughly planned and were made in line with last year's decision to
reinforce the focus of the company's operations on the key US market. Heino von
Prondzynski has indicated his intention to work closely with the management team
to diligently explore all viable strategic options for the company in its
further development, including but not limited to the possibility of securing
additional financial resources to support the company's operations beyond the
current cash reach. A main operational goal of the company remains to gain
approval for and subsequently introduce Septin9 based colorectal cancer
screening tests in the US market.
"Subject to my election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2012, I
look forward to becoming a member of the Supervisory Board of Epigenomics once
again", noted Heino von Prondzynski. "From my previous affiliation as a
Supervisory Board member I know the company very well and have closely followed
its development with great interest. Together with my colleagues in the
Supervisory Board and the management of Epigenomics we will intensify our
efforts to successfully commercialize the company's products in the best
interest of our shareholders."
Geert W. Nygaard, CEO of Epigenomics AG said: "I fully understand and respect
the decision of Prof. Dr. Rolf Krebs to not seek re-election for personal
reasons. Prof. Krebs has been instrumental in leading the transformation of the
company over the last years into a molecular diagnostics company and has done so
with great commitment. On behalf of the management and employees of Epigenomics
we wish to thank Prof. Dr. Krebs as well as Prof. Dr. Bicker, Mr. Anderson,
Ph.D. and Mr. Frankenne for the trustful collaboration over the last many years.
With Heino von Prondzynski we have found a very experienced successor for the
Chairmanship of the Supervisory Board. I know Heino von Prondzynski well and
look forward to the renewed and very intensive collaboration in his new role as
Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Given his vast experience and leadership
skills I am certain we will successfully master the challenges ahead of
Epigenomics."
In addition to Mr. von Prondzynski, current members of the Supervisory Board,
Ms. Kessler, Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Reiter, will be seeking election at the
upcoming Annual General Meeting.
The invitation to the AGM of Epigenomics AG on May 2, 2012 will be published on
Friday, March 23, 2012 on the website of Epigenomics AG and in the electronic
federal gazette.
- Ends -
Further Information
Contact Epigenomics AG
Antje Zeise
Manager IR | PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368
ir@epigenomics.comwww.epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing
and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for cancer. The Company's
products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading
to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is
a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is
currently marketed in Europe and is in development for the U.S.A. The Company's
technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with
leading global diagnostic companies including Abbott, QIAGEN, Sysmex, and Quest
Diagnostics. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe
and the U.S.A.
Epigenomics legal disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve
certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could
cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of
Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not
undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
The information contained in this communication does not constitute nor imply an
offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product based on this technology
is currently available for sale by Epigenomics in the United States or Canada.
The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics
product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the
U.S. have not been established.
Further inquiry note:
Antje Zeise | CIRO
Manager IR/PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel: +49 30 24345 386
antje.zeise@epigenomics.com
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: ir@epigenomics.com
WWW: http://www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A1K0516
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: free trade: Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart,
regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt
language: English