Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Nanostart-held NanoGram to be fully acquired by major Japanese chemical corporation"

Home > Press > Nanostart-held NanoGram to be fully acquired by major Japanese chemical corporation

Abstract:
* Teijin Limited to acquire 100% of Silicon Valley-based portfolio company
* Trade sale marks second year-to-date exit by Nanostart
* Proceeds to be invested in promising new nanotechnology opportunities

Nanostart-held NanoGram to be fully acquired by major Japanese chemical corporation

Milpitas / Osaka / Frankfurt | Posted on August 9th, 2010

NanoGram Corporation, a nanotechnology company based on California and partly owned by Nanostart AG, has been acquired in its entirety by Teijin Limited (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 3401). Teijin is one of Japan's leading international chemical groups, with some 19,000 employees and consolidated revenues in the last fiscal year of 765 billion yen. Since 2009, Teijin and NanoGram have been working together to develop new applications for its technology in the high-growth market for printed electronics, meaning electronic components which are literally "printed." Compared to conventionally produced components, the printed electronics produced using the NanoGram technology are cheaper and more flexible in application. NanoGram is a leading-edge pioneer not only in the production of printed electronics, but also in other areas and has been actively sought around the world as a valuable partner.

Its takeover of NanoGram assures Teijin of exclusive access to an innovative nanotechnology platform which is strongly protected with 107 U.S. and international patents as well as more than 80 additional U.S. patents pending. Under the terms of the agreement, neither party is permitted to disclose the purchase price.

Teijin is excited to couple its expertise with NanoGram's technology to capitalize on the expanding markets for flexible displays and printed semiconductor materials," said Ichiro Kobayashi from Teijin, and now the CEO of NanoGram.

"Our nanoparticle manufacturing technology, and the materials we have developed using the technology, have proven to have superior functionality in a variety of applications for solar, flexible displays and printed semiconductor applications," said Dave Corbin, the former CEO of NanoGram. "What NanoGram needs to take those materials to market is application expertise and the ability to scale quickly. Teijin recognized the potential in NanoGram and its technology. It will be the company that takes us to the next level."

Nanostart AG, the international nanotechnology venture capital company based in Frankfurt, made its initial investment in NanoGram in 2007. The proceeds from the sale of its stake to Teijin will be invested by Nanostart into new nanotechnology holdings. Particularly within the Asian market, Nanostart management currently sees extraordinarily promising investment opportunities in nanotechnology which are being aggressively pursued.

This trade sale of its shareholding in NanoGram to Teijin marks the second exit so far this year for Nanostart. Earlier this year, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Diagnostics acquired the primary product line of another U.S.-based Nanostart portfolio company, BioMicro Systems Inc., in an asset sale transaction.

Teijin Limited is a global technology-driven group. Teijin Limited is listed on the Tokyo and Osaka stock exchanges and has a market capitalization of USD 3.1 billion.

This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the "Entry Standard" segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

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About Nanostart AG
Nanostart AG, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, is the world’s leading nanotechnology investment company, with portfolio companies spanning the globe from Silicon Valley to Singapore. The company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases with a focus on innovation-driven industries of the future such as cleantech, life sciences and IT/electronics. Through its subsidiary and venture capital fund in Singapore, Nanostart is proud to be the investment partner of the Singaporean government. For further information about the company, please visit www.nanostart.de.

About NanoGram
NanoGram Corporation is a pioneer and leading cleantech solutions provider that enables customers and partners to realize product and system performance previously thought impossible. NanoGram develops, manufactures, and sells silicon-based photovoltaic as well as advanced nano materials, process technologies, and production tools for optical, printed electronic and energy products. NanoGram also offers complete licensing packages that include proven materials production processes, surface modification and dispersion technologies, process transfer expertise, and ongoing support. For more information, please visit www.nanogram.com.

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Contacts:
Nanostart AG
Public Relations
Dr. Hans Joachim Dürr
Goethestrasse 26-28
D-60313 Frankfurt
Germany
phone: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 111
fax: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 122

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