goldfinger
- 22 Oct 2003 16:09
Yes I know Im on holiday so Ill make it quick. Just had a phone call and an e- mail from a City pal of mine and hes drooling over this company. Hes a trust worthy chap and has given me some fantastic tips over the last 10 years.
Hes going on about it being a ten bagger, but I dont like that kind of talk, best to just see how the market rates it. He says theres going to be a lot of news flow so that should provide for a momentum driven price. Have to say I have never known him quite so excited about a stock. Ive just gone in and bought a nice holding.
Heres the e-mail he sent me. It might be worth your while having a dabble. Citywire seem to think its going to be a hit.
Health minnow makes strong return to market
Published: 11:51 Wed 22 Oct 2003
By Joanne Wallen, Associate Editor
Email to a friend
The chief of Healthcare Enterprise Group sold his last business to private healthcare firm Bupa and he's now raring to go again; the business may be worth a second look.
Shares in the 24 million AIM-listed business were suspended in August pending a couple of key acquisitions, and returned to the market on Monday after the deals were announced.
Healthcare Enterprise Group (HCEG) (HCEG) paid a total of 11.5 million for the Safa Group and Industrial Pharmaceutical Service (IPS) as well as a 60.7% stake in SafaTec. The company raised a total of 10 million via a placing of shares at 1p to fund the acquisitions and also took on 3.5 million of bank debt.
Chairman Stuart Bruck, who previously founded private medical services business Barbican, which he sold to Bupa in January 1999, is hoping to build a significant business providing medical services to corporate customers. He is hoping to be a consolidator in what he told Citywire is a very fragmented market.
Both Safa and IPS provide first aid kits, training, first aid suites and a host of other medical and occupational health services to large corporate customers such as British Airways, Marks & Spencer, BT, Sainsbury and government procurement agency OGC. Both companies also have advanced 'replenishment systems,' which enable companies to maintain adequate supplies to satisfy UK health and safety legislation.
Bruck said these acquisitions would provide a 'platform' for further acquisitions.
The company had previously accrued minority stakes in a total of 14 small healthcare services companies in the UK and the US. In March it listed on AIM by reversing into a cash shell.
Bruck said the minority stakes offered it an entry into the market, but the company has now decided to focus on wholly operating and owning businesses. It has therefore identified four of its US businesses that it would like to buy the remaining stakes in. These are all within a two hour drive of the company's Los Angeles office, and would be run from there.
The company has also 'packaged up' the remaining eight businesses with a view to selling each of its minority stakes. Bruck said the pricing being talked about is already ahead of the indicative pricing given in March.
Safa and IPS apparently already have a 30% share of the corporate medical services market in the UK. They are both cash generative from operating activities. Both companies are based in the North of England and do not have a huge penetration in London, where Bruck believes the company has 'a huge opportunity.'
He reckons they have so far penetrated around 50% of the FTSE 100, and therefore have a 'great client base' to which they should be able to sell additional services.
SafaTec has interests in a number of early stage companies that have developed some innovative healthcare products and technologies, which the company is hoping to commercialise. For example, Safa has secured a sole international distribution agreement with Ebiox, a manufacturer of a unique decontaminant and cleansing product range based on a patented formula. SafaTec UK has a 35% interest in Ebiox and HCEG is negotiating to acquire a controlling interest for the enlarged Group.
Bruck does not expect to make any more major acquisitions in the next year or so, but thinks there are a lot of small players that the company might be able to mop up.
'This is very exciting, I am looking forward to digging in,' he said.
Shares are currently at 1.7p.
Citywire Verdict:
The corporate healthcare market is becoming increasingly regulated, which favours HCEG. Bruck's track record should also be worth buying into.
The corporate structure looks pretty complicated at present with all of the minority shareholdings, but Bruck now seems keen to get the point quickly where HCEG controls the majority of the businesses it operates.
This is obviously early days, but for anyone that fancies a speculative punt on a penny share, HCEG is worth a second look.ENDS.
Well it looks very good to me although its a speculative punt, what isnt in the markets today. Good chance to get on board aswell on a bad day.
Please DYOR. You are responsible for your own buying and selling actions.
GF.
Troys
- 07 Jun 2004 10:14
- 191 of 316
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
07 June 2004
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
Proposed acquisition of First Aid UK Limited
Consolidation of market leading position in UK occupational health and first aid
sector
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC ('HCEG' or the 'Group'), the healthcare products
and services company, announces the signing of heads of agreement to acquire
First Aid UK Limited. The acquisition, which is subject to agreement of
definitive documentation, should further strengthen the Group's market leading
position in the niche occupational health and first aid sector. This
transaction is expected to complete shortly.
The total consideration for the acquisition will be 2 million with
approximately half payable immediately and the remainder paid as an earn-out
over two years.
First Aid UK Limited generates revenues of approximately 2 million per annum
from sales of first aid kits and products to a wide customer base including NHS
and local authority customers and high street retailers. HCEG should benefit
from the operational synergies of this acquisition in the areas of management
and product purchasing. Additionally the enlarged customer base should provide
marketing synergies through the addition of a range of important new customers
for the Group's products and services.
First Aid UK Limited will continue to operate from its premises in Cheshire with
the CEO, Andrew Pear, widening his role to join HCEG as a senior manager with
responsibilities across the Group's occupational healthcare businesses.
A further announcement will be made upon the execution of a binding share
purchase agreement.
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman, Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC, commented:
'When Healthcare Enterprise Group was formed, our stated aim was to take
advantage of the consolidation opportunities within the highly fragmented
marketplace for manufacturing and distributing occupational healthcare and first
aid products. This proposed acquisition would position us firmly as a leading
operator in this niche marketplace.
'Under the deal we will welcome Andy Pear to the operational management team,
who will work closely with us in the management of our combined companies in the
UK.'
Janus
- 08 Jun 2004 09:34
- 192 of 316
Its taken some time but there is now a website
http://www.hce-group.com/
Troys
- 09 Jun 2004 08:51
- 193 of 316
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
09 June 2004
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
German distribution agreement
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC ('HCEG' or the 'Group') the healthcare products
and services company announces its initial step into the German healthcare
products market, with the appointment of Distrimatch GmbH as the distribution
partner to Safa-IPS Healthcare Ltd, HCEG's first aid and occupational healthcare
products division. The agreement covers the distribution of disposable and
consumable, non-durable medical products covering the markets of Germany,
Switzerland and Austria.
Distrimatch has commenced the supply of a range of products, from Safa-IPS
Healthcare to Asklepios Kliniken GmbH, one of Germany's largest private hospital
chains.
Distrimatch, which is 18% owned by Healthcare Enterprise Group, has operated
from offices on the Volkswagen Innovations Campus in Wolfsburg, Germany for over
three years. The company has a comprehensive distribution database specialising
exclusively on medical products and devices.
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman, Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC commented:
'Beyond our 18% holding in Distrimatch, this is the first step in a series of
planned moves by the Group to gain a foothold in Germany, the third largest
healthcare market in the world.'
William Klebusch, Managing Director, DistriMatch GmbH commented:
'The Asklepios Kliniken GmbH with its 83 hospitals, represents a noteworthy
entry point for HCEG into the German market. We are currently working to
rapidly expand our product range into this strategic customer. In addition, we
see many commercial applications for HCEG's exclusive medical technologies which
we will actively implement.'
9 June 2004
Enquiries:
Healthcare Enterprise Group 020 7351 7500
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman
Gordon Wood, Group Chief Operating Officer
College Hill 020 7457 2020
Nicholas Nelson
Corinna Dorward
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
B_ASKIN
- 08 Jul 2004 10:57
- 194 of 316
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
08 July 2004
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
Acquisition of Optiscope Technologies Ltd
Proprietary technology for disposable endoscopes
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC ('HCEG'), the healthcare products and services
company, announces the acquisition of a controlling interest in Optiscope
Technologies Ltd. ('Optiscope'), a developer of disposable rigid endoscopes
using proprietary technology. HCEG believes that, as the only disposable
endoscope in the market, Optiscope has significant advantages over endoscopes
currently in use, which will underpin the adoption of the product throughout
hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Pursuant to the Acquisition, in exchange for an investment of US$100,000, HCEG,
through its controlling interest in SafaTec (UK) Limited, increased its holding
in Optiscope from approximately 32% to 55% of its outstanding shares. The
Acquisition entitles HCEG to appoint a majority of the Optiscope Board of
Directors, and gives HCEG purchase and forced sale rights over certain of the
remaining Optiscope shares held by minority shareholders.
An endoscope is a surgical optical instrument for the examination of internal
tissues and organs in the body and is an aid to surgical operations. According
to research data compiled by HCEG, the worldwide market size for rigid
endoscopes is approximately $165 million per annum and growing.
The cost of a comparable re-useable rigid endoscope incorporating fibre optics
is circa $3,000 per instrument. These are frequently damaged during use,
resulting in costly repairs. They also require disinfection, decontamination,
sterilization and servicing following each operation and, with a life span of
approximately 200 operations, the estimated cost per use is $40.
Optiscope utilizes a revolutionary, patented method of binging light to the
optical view without the use of expensive and fragile fibre optics. The viewing
tube utilizes plastic lenses thus allowing the Optiscope to be fully disposable
after use. This gives Optiscope a significant clinical advantage as it
completely removes the risk of any cross contamination. Optiscope is expected to
be manufactured at a cost not exceeding $5, thus allowing hospitals the ability
to buy multiple devices and assisting in the reduction of waiting times.
Optiscope is already in early stage discussions with a number of companies, in a
wide range of medical areas, interested in licensing Optiscope products.
Optiscope is a product of the portfolio of research products from SafaTec (UK)
Limited, which was acquired by HCEG in November 2003.
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman, Healthcare Enterprise Group Plc commented:
'Optiscope provides HCEG with the opportunity to capitalize on the global
distribution of a truly innovative healthcare product. The cost and ease of use
implications should encourage early adoption.
'We believe that the Optiscope products, as distributed through HCEG's
distribution infrastructure, can capture substantial market position in world
healthcare markets. '
8 July 2004
Enquiries:
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC Tel: 020 7351 7500
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman
Gordon Wood, Chief Operating Officer
College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020
Nicholas Nelson / Corinna Dorward
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
Troys
- 14 Jul 2004 08:20
- 195 of 316
Are we going to see an improvement in share price after the current news relating to goverment hospitals and MRSA. Healthcare Enterprise have the answer with Ebiox.
john50
- 16 Jul 2004 09:35
- 196 of 316
did not search very far Gary K.
skids
- 16 Jul 2004 09:43
- 197 of 316
thank you john50
hangon
- 19 Jan 2005 17:11
- 198 of 316
In Nov2003 I got some Warrants...... Then we had CONSOLIDATION in 2004 (of 25:1).....
does anyone know if the Warrants are also affected? (by the same 25:1 maybe)
I have just received a new HCEG Cert for the shares, but nothing about these Warrants.
piston broke
- 19 Jan 2005 19:01
- 199 of 316
if you have a look at trades then they are circa 1.50p so I certainly hope not
Troys
- 27 Jan 2005 10:18
- 200 of 316
moving nicely today
piston broke
- 28 Jan 2005 07:14
- 201 of 316
Now moving into Asia with a contract win. This could really open the flood gates into that part of the world and going East will really help them move North....enjoy the ride all you HCEG holders.
ethel
- 28 Jan 2005 11:34
- 202 of 316
Chart looks like the price will drop before rallying to 80p or,hopefully 100p in the short term.The Asian markets are enormous.
Realistic
- 28 Jan 2005 17:10
- 203 of 316
Very good news today but: More than a million buys but the price is lower at 16.30 than it was at 8 o'clock this morning. you must be right ethel. Do the mms have that much stock that they can give it away and lower the price? Stil musnt moan at this price itis nearly 3p in old money if you see what I mean.
Troys
- 11 Feb 2005 08:31
- 204 of 316
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
11 February 2005
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
Increased shareholding in Optiscope Technologies Ltd
Development milestones achieved
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC ('HCEG'), the international healthcare products
and services company, announces agreement to increase its shareholding in
Optiscope Technologies ('Optiscope') to 66.25% for a consideration of $100,000
payable in cash. This follows the achievement of significant development
milestones by Optiscope.
Optiscope has a range of rigid disposable endoscopes and is one of HCEG's key
portfolio technologies. In November 2004, HCEG, Optiscope and Wahl Optoparts,
part of Jenoptik AG, entered agreement to finalise the development of Optiscope
and bring it to production via a series of pre-agreed milestones leading to the
manufacture of a prototype for clinical testing. The initial important
performance indicators have been reached resulting in a planned run of 1,000 of
these devices to be available in four to six weeks.
Optiscope combines a revolutionary, patented optical design with innovative
plastic manufacturing methods and components, to produce a commercially viable
and fully disposable surgical endoscope. This gives the device a clinical and
economic advantage, by removing the risk of cross contamination normally
associated with the re-use of expensive re-usable endoscopy equipment.
Optiscope has been technically proven to match or better the performance
criteria of existing re-usable endoscopes.
In addition to the elimination of the cross contamination problem, a key
advantage of the Optiscope products are their low cost per unit. A conventional
laproscopic endoscope retails for approximately $3,000, a significant capital
investment, with cleaning, sterilisation and repair for re-use, at additional
cost and a frequent reason for the creation of bottlenecks in clinical
procedures. By offering a low cost single use, disposable alternative,
Optiscope provides an economically viable solution for budgetary constrained
hospitals worldwide.
The Optiscope family of products will be made available to hospitals and clinics
at an extremely attractive unit cost.
Stuart Bruck, Chairman, Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC, commented:
'One of our founding principles is to introduce new products into the
international healthcare marketplace which address an immediate economic and
social need. Optiscope has huge market potential as it addresses problems
common to overstretched hospitals throughout the world - eliminating cross
contamination and helping to reduce procedure times.
'Optiscope has received modification by Wahl Optoparts and has been bench tested
to exacting standards. We look forward to the next step towards
commercialisation.
'We anticipate more significant positive news relating to Optiscope in the
future.'
11 February 2005
Enquiries:
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC 020 7351 7500
Stuart Bruck - Executive Chairman
Gordon A Wood - COO
College Hill
Nicholas Nelson/Corinna Dorward 020 7457 2020
Notes to editors
Endoscopy
An endoscope is a surgical optical instrument for the examination of internal
tissues and organs in the body and is an aid to surgical operations. According
to research data compiled by HCEG, the world-wide market size for rigid
endoscopes is approximately four to five hundred million dollars per annum and
growing.
The cost of a re-useable rigid endoscope incorporating fibre optics is circa
$3,000 per instrument. These are frequently damaged during use, resulting in
costly repairs and treatment delays. They also require disinfection,
decontamination, sterilization and servicing following each operation and, with
a life span of approximately 200 operations, the estimated cost per use is $40.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
upanddown
- 11 Feb 2005 17:36
- 205 of 316
not the response I would of expected on the shareprice,perhaps it isn't exciting enough for those who jump in and out or for a quick profit but with more good news to follow it won't be long until they breach the previous bid high of 71p.A good cheap and simple piece of equiptment which will do wonders for the company,unlike some others who keep promising Medysis for example and nothing turns up.
R1SPINNER
- 07 Mar 2005 08:50
- 206 of 316
Ta very much Goldfinger!!!! That's several drinks I owe you now!!!
ateeq180
- 07 Mar 2005 10:47
- 207 of 316
LOOKING GOOD NOW,WITH SOME BIG BUYS,HOPE TO SEE IN THE 150p TERRITARY TODAY,LETS SEE.
Tenereds
- 07 Mar 2005 17:08
- 208 of 316
Has anyone any idea what has been happening with these shares today? They rose upto 140p by mid morning then collapsed down to around 115p/120p by the afternoon.
Judging from the news on MRSA in the papers and television reports I would have thought there would have been an upwards trend in the share price.
ateeq180
- 07 Mar 2005 18:16
- 209 of 316
SORRY FOR MY PROJECTION TODAY,ITS BETTER TO KEEP THE MOUTH SHUT WHEN A SHARE IS RISING.
cavman2
- 07 Mar 2005 18:35
- 210 of 316
This should answer your question.
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
07 March 2005
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
Allotment of shares
Further to the announcement of 8th and 17th November 2004 relating to the
acquisition of the entire share capital of DistriMatch GmbH, Healthcare
Enterprise Group PLC announces that application has been made for 163,042
ordinary shares to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange for trading on AIM.
The ordinary shares will commence trading on AIM on 9th March 2005, bringing the
issued share capital of Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC to 150,000,860.
7th March 2005
Enquiries:
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC 020 7351 7500
John Bradshaw, Group Finance Director