06/20/2007 07:38:00 CEST
Manz Automation AG, one of the world's leading producers of automation, quality assurance and laser process technology for the photovoltaic and LCD industry, is planning to place 325,650 new shares (10% of the share capital) from a capital increase from authorized capital excluding subscription rights. The proceeds from the capital increase will be used to finance further growth. Manz Automation AG is planning, for example, to access complementary technologies and additional resources via potential acquisitions in Germany and abroad.
A banking syndicate led by Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) as the lead manager and sole bookrunner has been engaged to execute this transaction. The syndicate also includes BHF-BANK and HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt as co-lead managers. The market protection agreement with the company described in the offering memorandum dated September 7, 2006 will be waived for this transaction. Moreover, additional soft lock-up agreements have been agreed with Mr. Dieter Manz and the company. These run until December 31, 2007. The placement price for the new shares will be set during accelerated bookbuilding. The shares will be exclusively offered to German and European institutional investors as part of a private placement.