Eevia Health Plc: Navigating Financial Waters with a New Rights Issue

January 22, 2025, 4:33 am
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Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 1998
Eevia Health Plc is charting a new course. The company has announced a rights issue aimed at raising approximately SEK 12.1 million. This move comes on the heels of a strategic reorientation initiated in late 2024. The goal? To stabilize the company and focus on high-margin health solutions.

Eevia Health, founded in 2017, specializes in bioactive compounds derived from sustainably sourced plant materials. Its focus is on gut health, kidney health, and urinary health. The company’s products are primarily wild-harvested from the pristine forests of Finland and Sweden. Eevia’s ingredients are sold to dietary supplement and food brands worldwide, showcasing a commitment to organic and environmentally friendly practices.

The recent rights issue is a lifeline. It allows existing shareholders to purchase new shares at a preferential rate. For every share held, shareholders receive one subscription right, allowing them to buy two new shares at SEK 0.09 each. This pricing strategy aims to encourage participation and bolster the company’s financial standing.

The rights issue is not just a financial maneuver; it’s part of a broader turnaround plan. Eevia’s board of directors has recognized the need for a strategic shift. The company faced challenges in its previous rights issue, which fell short of its SEK 28.6 million target. The new plan, approved in November 2024, aims to launch innovative health solutions, particularly in gut health.

Eevia is pivoting towards higher-margin products. The company plans to introduce new offerings like MaxBIOME™, ProURO™, and ProRENIS™. These products promise scientific backing for their health benefits, positioning Eevia as a leader in the market. The shift aims to mitigate the impact of recent market challenges and enhance profitability.

The rights issue is underpinned by external investor commitments. Approximately 27% of the issue is secured through underwriting agreements. This backing provides a safety net, ensuring that Eevia can proceed with its plans even if the full subscription isn’t achieved. The company is also negotiating with creditors to extend debt maturities, further stabilizing its financial landscape.

The timeline for the rights issue is crucial. Shareholders must act quickly. The last day to trade shares with subscription rights is January 22, 2025. The subscription period begins on January 28, 2025, and runs until February 11, 2025, in Sweden, and until February 13, 2025, in Finland. After this window, any unexercised rights will become invalid.

Eevia’s strategic plan also includes divestments. The company intends to sell assets related to its Retinari™ eye-health product and berry-based extract products. These divestments will create new start-up companies, Havu Health Oy and Baccus Salas Oy, respectively. Eevia will receive shares in these companies, which may be distributed to shareholders as dividends. This approach not only raises capital but also allows Eevia to focus on its core competencies.

The rights issue and divestments are intertwined. The funds raised will be allocated to debt repayment, working capital, and product development. Eevia aims to reduce its debt burden significantly, positioning itself for future growth. The company’s strategy hinges on securing non-dilutive funding for clinical studies related to its new product formulations.

Eevia’s commitment to innovation is evident. The company is not merely reacting to market pressures; it is proactively reshaping its future. By focusing on scientifically substantiated health solutions, Eevia aims to carve out a unique position in the global ingredient market. The emphasis on branded ingredients, as opposed to compendial ones, reflects a shift towards quality and efficacy.

The upcoming rights issue is a critical juncture for Eevia Health. It represents a chance to solidify its financial foundation while embarking on a new strategic path. The company’s ability to execute this plan will depend on shareholder engagement and market conditions.

Investors should be aware of the potential dilution effect. Those who choose not to participate in the rights issue may see their ownership percentage decrease significantly. However, the opportunity to sell subscription rights offers a way to mitigate this impact.

Eevia Health Plc is at a crossroads. The rights issue is more than a financial strategy; it’s a beacon of hope for a company poised to redefine its future. With a focus on high-margin health solutions and a commitment to sustainability, Eevia is ready to navigate the turbulent waters of the health ingredient market. The coming months will be pivotal. Will shareholders rally behind this initiative? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Eevia is determined to emerge stronger and more focused than ever.