Biotalys Strengthens Relationship with Investors via Private Placement of New Shares for €7 million

Ghent, BELGIUM, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Press release - Regulated information - Inside Information

Biotalys NV (Euronext Brussel : BTLS) (the “Company” or “Biotalys”), an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for crop and food protection, today announced that it has successfully obtained subscription commitments for an amount of EUR 7 million by means of a private investment in a public equity (“PIPE”). The transaction involves the issue of 1,135,257 new shares (being approximately 3.67% of the Company’s shares outstanding prior to the transaction) at an issue price of EUR 6.166 per share representing a premium of approximately 1% compared to the closing price of the Biotalys share on Euronext Brussels on Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Investors are the existing shareholders Agri Investment Fund BV (“AIF”) and the Belgian Sovereign Wealth Fund Federale Participatie- en Investeringsmaatschappij NV (“SFPIM”). AIF is the private equity and venture capital fund of the Belgian Farmers Union (Boerenbond) focusing on Ag-Tech and Agro-Food companies that contribute to a stronger and more sustainable agriculture and horticulture. AIF’s participation in the present capital increase is in line with its ambition to support companies to bring their innovations to the agricultural market. To further strengthen the relationship with AIF, Biotalys will propose its shareholders to nominate AIF’s CEO Patrik Haesen to join the Board of Directors of Biotalys.

Patrik Haesen, CEO of AIF, commented: “We strongly believe that farmers in Belgium and around the world require new tools to protect their yields while reducing the impact on the environment. We have supported Biotalys since its inception and today want to further build our position as a committed partner with a long-term vision, who can provide financial support as well as a large network and professional advice on various agricultural sectors.”

Patrice Sellès, Biotalys CEO, said: "After validating our approach with multiple collaborations, including through the recent strategic partnership with Syngenta, we welcome the additional support of current shareholders, bringing us another step closer to our ultimate goal of providing growers all over the world, and particularly in our home country Belgium, with innovative and cost-efficient solutions.”