Carl Zeiss Meditec AG increases share capital by up to 10%

Jena/Germany | Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has resolved on a cash capital increase from authorized capital of 10% minus one share. In total up to 8,130,960 new shares will be offered to institutional investors by way of an accelerated bookbuilding process with the exclusion of subscription rights.

The Company plans to use the funds raised to drive forward its growth strategy. Dr. Ludwin Monz, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, has this to say: “Given the current dynamics and consolidation trends in our markets, we see significant opportunities in the short to medium term to accelerate our growth through selective acquisitions. A number of projects in different size brackets are being considered, for which we aim to substantially increase our financial power and flexibility with the current transaction, improving our position for potential future acquisitions. We continuously aim to further expand our already very successful strategy as a global solutions provider in ophthalmology and microsurgery with additional growth initiatives.“

The new shares will carry full dividend rights for the past fiscal year 2015/16 and will be offered for purchase exclusively to institutional investors in a private placement by way of an accelerated bookbuilding process, which starts immediately following publication of this press release. The Company reserves the right to close the order book at any time.

Carl Zeiss AG will not subscribe for any shares in the contemplated capital increase. Thus, the free float will increase from 35% up to approximately 41% and thereby market liquidity of the Carl Zeiss Meditec AG share will be broadened. Carl Zeiss AG will remain a long-term majority shareholder in Carl Zeiss Meditec AG.

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG and Commerzbank AG act as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners for the transaction.