Ziemer Opthalmology
CHF 21.5 Million for buyout from Private Equity Investors and Capital Increase
New Capital to fuel growth
(Bern/Port, Switzerland, December 23, 2009) In keeping with BVgroup's strategy to involve itself as
an entrepreneurial partner with its own capital in successful Swiss enterprises, BVgroup has
acquired, together with existing shareholders and further investors, 21.6% of the shares of Ziemer
Group AG from former shareholders HBM BioVentures and M2 Capital Partners. An additional
injection of capital for fueling the company's future growth will occur in January 2010. Ziemer Group
AG is a technological leader in selected segments of the ophthalmic industry. It develops and
markets innovative products for ocular diagnostics and for refractive ocular surgery to the worldwide
ophthalmic market.
BVgroup augments its stake in Ziemer Group AG to 19.3%
Together with Dr. h.c. Willy Michel's Techpharma Management AG, the Ziemer family, further
existing shareholders, and new investors from BVgroup's corporate neighborhood, BVgroup as a
lead investor has provided the financing for the capital increase. The Ziemer family will remain the
majority shareholder of Ziemer Group AG. BV Holding will increase its share from formerly 7.2% to
19.3% after the capital increase. Ziemer Group's Board of Directors will be strengthened by new
members Ernst Balmer (Chairman of the Board, BV Holding AG, and entrepreneur) and Thomas
Plattner (member of the Board, BV Holding AG and Chairman of the Board, SKAN Holding AG).
Growth financing for product development and internationalization of the sales organization
Frank Ziemer, President and CEO, and representative of the majority owner family, is pleased with
this transaction: "We are happy to conclude in this environment the replacement of previous private
equity investors as well as the financing of our planned growth. With BVgroup, we have found a
partner with experience in the med-tech business and with a long-term orientation. With the help of
the increased capital, Ziemer Group will be able to accelerate the expansion of international sales
and service, and to fuel new product development projects." Ziemer Group has grown in recent
years at an above-average rate. A major contributor to revenue growth has been the FEMTO
LDV™ Femtosecond Surgical Laser, which is delivering impressive clinical results to a growing
number of internationally leading ophthalmic surgeons and clinical institutions.
Daniel Kusio, BVgroup's CEO, is optimistic: "Ziemer Group is gaining market share continuously
with the FEMTO LDV. The growing installed base leads to growing revenues from sterile, single-use
surgical packs. Furthermore, Ziemer's laser technology has distinctive advantages that can be used
for a wide range of additional surgical applications."
Ziemer Group, Technology Leader in Ophthalmology
Ziemer Group AG, based in Port (Switzerland), specializes in the development, production, and
sales of innovative and high-quality ophthalmic instruments. The group holds numerous patents and
currently employs a staff of 125. In the field of refractive ocular surgery, Ziemer Group has launched
in 2007 the FEMTO LDV™. This Femtosecond Surgical Laser system is considered among
specialists as the leading product in terms of precision and quality. Patients like the quick and
painless surgical procedure possible with the FEMTO LDV. Furthermore, Ziemer Group distributes,
directly or via distributors, the popular AMADEUS
®
microkeratome, the GALILEI™ diagnostic
system, the PASCAL® Dynamic Contour Tonometer for measuring intra-ocular pressure, and
further products and consumables for specialized segments of the ophthalmic market.
BVgroup, an equity partner for the long haul, with med-tech know-how.
BV Holding AG, domiciled in Berne, Switzerland, positions itself as an equity partner in established,
successful Swiss enterprises with the goal to support buyouts and growth strategies. BVgroup
invests as lead- and co-investor with a particular focus on technology companies with strong growth
in medical, IT, telecommunication, materials and process technologies.
(www.bvgroup.ch)
For further information please contact:
Ziemer Group AG
Frank Ziemer (CEO)
Tel. + 41 32 332 70 10
[email protected]
www.ziemergroup.com