Highlights

 

EU approval: Approval from EU's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health received on the 20. February 2009. Unanimous approval of vitamin K2 as Novel Food, major importance for NattoPharma and for future business.

 

Sales development: Strong increase in sales in the first quarter, MNOK 8 compared to MNOK 5 in same period in 2008. The significant increased market interest based on the regulatory approval in EU,  solid R&D and large market activity has led to the company now being in the initial phase of negotiations with several major regional and global companies, and further sales growth is expected.

 

Signing with Danisco: NattoPharma signed in February a strategic cooperation agreement with Danisco for exclusive global sales rights within the food market. The cooperation has so far lived up to its expectations, and NattoPharma expect that 2010 will be the great breakthrough year for the company in this segment.

 

The company is fully capitalised: The Company has negotiated a refinancing of the bond loan of MNOK 18.5, for a further 2 years. Moreover, it has completed a placement of 2 million shares at a price of NOK 3.50 per share. In total, the refinancing has given the company approx. gross MNOK10 in new capital.

 

Appointment of strategic adviser: NattoPharma informed May 4th that the company lately has been in contact with several industrial companies who wish to enter into dialogue about a possible acquisition or merger. In order to ensure shareholder value in the best possible way, the company will prioritize the work to find the most optimal solution, both with regards to the value and the type of transaction for the company and its shareholders, and will therefore soon appoint a strategic advisor for this process.

 

For further information, please contact:

Morten Sundstø, phone +47 95061860

Head of IR