Industrifonden participates in financing for Bactiguard

Stockholm, Sweden, December 21, 2011: Industrifonden has invested SEK 50 million in the SEK 450 million corporate bond recently issued by the fast-growing medical technology company Bactiguard.

Bactiguard, which manufactures catheters that can prevent hospital and care acquired infections, is now planning to continue its global expansion.
 
The bond was oversubscribed. The reason for this, according to Bactiguard CEO Christian Kinch, is that investors are looking to the healthcare sector in times of crisis.

“Regardless of whether there is a financial crisis going on, people get sick. Our products combat the healthcare sector’s greatest threat: hospital acquired infections and the increased use of antibiotics,” said Christian Kinch. “Demand for our products has increased significantly in recent years. This year alone sales have increased by 35 percent.”
 
With the bond proceeds Bactiguard plans to buy out a previous owner. Industrifonden’s capital will be used to finance Bactiguard’s expansion in the global market.

“We see the investment in Bactiguard as one with great potential and are pleased to be able to help with the financing needed to bring a unique Swedish discovery in an important area to the world,” said Sofia Ericsson Holm, Investment Manager at Industrifonden.
 
Bactiguard manufactures and exports a patented coating for infection-sensitive products. Bactiguard®-treated catheters are a market leader in the U.S. and Japan, two countries which place high demands on their healthcare. Catheters coated with Bactiguard® are also available for airways and blood vessels. Bactiguard has expanded its operations in recent years to new markets such as the EU, China and the Middle East, with a strong focus on research and development.
www.bactiguard.se