Copenhagen, 2012-03-29 09:58 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
As part of the further funding of the company, DBV Technologies (DBV) has announced that it successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO) on NYSE Euronext in Paris raising a total proceed of EUR 40 million (DKK 298 million). The price of the offering was settled at EUR 8.86 per share implying a total value of ALK's shareholding of DKK 54 million. ALK invested in DBV in 2009 and 2010.
ALK's shareholding in DBV represents a strategic investment within the area of food allergy. The peanut allergy vaccine, which is currently DBV's most advanced development programme is based on a proprietary electro charged patch technology offering uptake of the active vaccine ingredients via the epicutaneous layer of the skin. Peanut allergy is one of the most severe food allergies and is estimated to affect approximately 8 million people in North America and Europe.
ALK did not participate in the offering and consequently its shareholding has been reduced to approximately 6%.
According to ALK's accounting policies, the capital gain of DKK 24 million will be recognised in other comprehensive income in the Q1 2012 interim report. The IPO will not impact ALK's operating profit and consequently, ALK's current financial outlook for 2012 remains unchanged. ALK continues to expect an operating profit (EBITDA) of more than DKK 300 million.
ALK-Abelló A/S
Jens Bager
President and CEO
For further information please contact:
Jens Bager, President and CEO, tel. +45 4574 7576
Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. +45 4574 7527, mobile +45 2261 2525
Press: Martin Barlebo, tel. +45 4574 7901, mobile +45 2064 1143
About ALK
ALK is a research-driven global pharmaceutical company focusing on allergy prevention, diagnosis and treatment. ALK is the world leader in allergy immunotherapy — a unique treatment of the underlying cause of allergy. The company has approximately 1,800 employees with subsidiaries, production facilities and distributors worldwide. ALK has entered into partnership agreements with Merck and Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to commercialise allergy immunotherapy tablets in North America and Japan, respectively. The company is headquartered in Hørsholm, Denmark, and listed on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen A/S. Find more information at www.alk-abello.com.