Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsges. AG
DEWB forging ahead with the focusing of its investment portfolio - expansion of assets under management planned
Jena (euro adhoc) -
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DEWB AG, Jena, is consistently continuing to pursue its strategy of focusing its investment portfolio more strongly. The company´s aim is to establish itself as leading independent provider of investment capital in the optics, optical-related technologies and sensor systems sectors. To this end, in addition to the targeted orientation of the portfolio, there are also plans to expand the assets under management, with the medium-term goal being to increase these from the current 50 million euros to over 100 million euros. In this context, the largest proportion of the growth is expected to be generated from the enhancement of the value of the investment holdings.
Course of business As at the report date 30 June 2007 DEWB held twelve investment holdings. The value of the investment portfolio in the balance sheet is 42.0 million euros and has increased by 1.2 million euros compared with 31 December 2006 (40.8 million euros) through investments in the existing portfolio. In the current positive economic environment the investment holdings have achieved good development and are reporting increasing order intakes.
As planned, DEWB AG did not sell any of the shares from its investment portfolio in the first half year 2007. DEWB AG is therefore posting a balanced gross result for the period under review. The EBIT for the period covered by the report is -0.7 million euros. The result after taxes is -0.8 million euros, corresponding to -0.05 euros per share. It should be noted in this respect that the lack of continuity of the sales transactions, a typical feature of the investment business, leads to fluctuations in sales and income.
The balance sheet total as at 30 June 2007 has fallen slightly compared with the end of 2006 (-1.1 %). Liquid assets have reduced by 2.2 million euros against 31 December 2006 as a result of investments in the portfolio and operational payments. The shareholders´ equity was down slightly to 38.4 million euros due to the result for the period. The shareholders´ equity quota per share was 2.52 euros (31 December 2006: 2.57 euros per share).
Outlook The development of the portfolio companies in value terms forms the operational focus of DEWB during this fiscal year and the intention is to achieve this through active management amongst other things. To this end DEWB is on the one side pursuing M&A options for individual investments in order to help them to either achieve critical mass, improve their market position or realise strategic additions on the technology side. At the same time, DEWB AG will be examining exit opportunities during the remainder of 2007.
DEWB also sees attractive investment opportunities which will fit into the investment profile of optics, optical-related technologies and sensor systems and in this way make a contribution towards the realisation of the investment company´s overall strategy. The latest transaction, the investment in the Jena-based company Zenteris GmbH, is a further step along the way to the realisation of this concept. The additional expansion of the investment funds is intended to ensure that DEWB is able to exploit attractive investment opportunities independently of cash inflows from sales of shares.
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 optics, optical-related technologies 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 32 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 09.08.2007 10:00:00
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
Börse Stuttgart / free trade
Börse München / free trade