Epistem to raise 4.3m pounds via placing
Epistem, a biotechnology and personalised medicine company is to raise 4.3m pounds before expenses through a placing of approximately 793.4m shares at 545p a share.
Epistem, a biotechnology and personalised medicine company is to raise 4.3m pounds before expenses through a placing of approximately 793.4m shares at 545p a share.
The new ordinary shares, which represent 8.9% of Epistem's issued share capital have been conditionally placed with existing and new institutional investors at a 4% discount to the closing mid-market price on December 6th. They'll hit the market on December 13th.
The net proceeds of £4.2m will provide funds for the commercial launch of Genedrive, its new molecular diagnostic device as well as its first test for tuberculosis.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Commenting on the placing, Matthew Walls, Chief Executive Officer of Epistem, said: "We are about to enter a new and exciting phase of growth for Epistem with the launch of Genedrive, our first healthcare/diagnostic product. We believe Genedrive can change the way diagnostics is delivered in 'near patient' settings by providing the 'gold standard' of DNA based test results at significantly reduced cost in a simple to use device form."
As announced in the company's preliminary results issued on October 16th, Epistem's collaborations with Becton Dickinson and Xcelris Laboratories include escalating annual volume requirements for units and assays with each contract capable of delivering revenues to Epistem in excess of $20m-30m per annum over the next three to five years.
The company will require more working capital as its first regulated test on Genedrive for the tuberculosis market is expected to generate initial sales in the first quarter of 2013. Regulatory approval of the tuberculosis assay specific to the Indian subcontinent is expected in the first half of 2013.
CM
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Reeves warned against property tax shake-up – 3 ways it could backfire on first-time buyers
Rachel Reeves reportedly has her eye on high-end property taxes in the upcoming Budget, but there are concerns a shake-up could unintentionally hamper those trying to get on the housing ladder
-
Average Brits want to retire five years before they can – who has the widest retirement gap?
Brits are expecting to work for longer than ever but there are big disparities in the number of extra working years predicted. A small tweak could help close the gap