Vita 34 : Strengthens Market Position via Investments

Vita 34 Strengthens Market Position via Investments

Leipzig, July 2, 2015 - Vita 34 AG (WKN A0BL84), a pioneer in the storage of stem cells from umbilical cord blood and tissue and a specialist in cryo-preservation, acquired the voting majority and a 30 percent business interest in its cooperative partner of many years Bio Save d.o.o. yesterday. The transaction is financed completely out of liquid assets of Vita 34. With this transaction, Bio Save will be fully integrated into the group, and Vita 34 will participate in the success of Bio Save. Bio Save group revenues were some EUR 1.7 million in fiscal year 2014, and there was an operating result in the amount of some EUR 0.3 million.

There has been a successful cooperative sales effort between Vita 34 and Bio Save since April 2012, which in the meantime has been extended to cover many countries in the Balkans. Vita 34 is already storing stem cells from umbilical cords for customers in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia. With this investment, Vita 34 is pursuing the goal of expanding market share and offering additional services to end customers in these countries.

In addition, Vita 34 also acquired the majority of voting rights, as well as 35 percent of the business interest in its cooperative venture partner Kamieninių ląstelių bankas UAB (AS "Imunolita"), Lithuania. The acquisition of the shares was financed using internal company shares held by Vita 34. Vita 34 reckons that Imunolita will contribute some 4 percent to company revenues beginning in fiscal year 2016. With this agreement now signed by both parties, Imunolita will be integrated into the Vita 34 group. Thus, Vita 34 will have a direct influence on the operative business of the Lithuanian market leader. Imunolita will work closely together with Vita 34, especially in expanding marketing and sales activities in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

The production and storage of the stem cell units from Bio Save and Imunolita will take place at Vita 34 in Leipzig. The laboratory processing and storage of the umbilical cord blood and tissue in accordance with the high standards set by German pharmaceutical law is, therefore, ensured.

Dr. André Gerth, CEO of Vita 34 AG, commented: "A significant component of our growth strategy involves strengthening our market leadership. By acquiring interests in other companies, we can promote inorganic growth. In this way, we can sustainably strengthen our market position and lend stability to the Vita 34 core business."

Company Profile

Vita 34 was founded in 1997 as the first private umbilical cord blood bank in Europe and, as a complete provider, offers collection logistics, preparation and storage of umbilical cord blood and tissue. The basis for its successful work is an outstanding position in the technological segment of cryo-preservation. Here, cells and tissue are preserved alive at some -190ºC for long periods of time, and can be used if needed in the context of medical treatment. More than 125,000 families are already taking advantage of this offering and have provided for their children with a stem cell deposit at Vita 34.