Eleksen to Join AIM Through Reverse Into Bora Communications; Eleksen Smart Fabric technology makes touch sensitive fabric to control electronic devices
WALTHAM, Mass.--April 6, 2006--Applications include fabric keyboards for Ultra-Mobile PCs, mobile phones and PDAs; and soft controls for Apple's iPOD incorporated in jackets or rucksacks |
Bora Communications Plc, the AIM quoted cash shell whose shares were suspended on April 3 2006, today announced that it plans to acquire Eleksen Limited, an electronic sensor technology company which makes touch sensitive fabrics used to control electronic devices. Bora is also seeking readmission to AIM under the name of Eleksen Group Plc.
Dealing in shares in the new company is expected to commence on May 3 2006, conditional on Bora shareholders having approved the relevant resolutions at an Extraordinary General Meeting, scheduled for 2 May 20, 200606. At the admission price of 50p (adjusting for a 1 for 5 share consolidation), a 43% premium to the closing price of 35p on 31 March 2006 (being the most recent practicable date prior to the publication of this announcement and adjusting for a 1 for 5 share consolidation) the company is expected to have a market capitalisation of approximately GBP 20.4 million.
Bora is acquiring Eleksen for GBP 18,940,556 which will be satisfied by the issue of 37,881,113 shares in the new company at a price of 50 pence per share. There is no cash consideration to be paid as part of the acquisition and no new money is being raised. Eleksen shareholders will own approximately 93 per cent of the new company.
Eleksen's patented technology, ElekTex(R), enables fabric to be programmed, therefore creating touch sensitive controls for electronic devices. Current applications include controls for Apple's iPOD player incorporated into clothes, bags or accessories; and fabric keyboards for use with smartphones, PDAs, and Ultra-Mobile PCs.
ElekTex creates a highly flexible touch sensor that can not only identify where it is being pressed but, also how hard it is being pressed, to a degree. The technology offers product designers the opportunity to make controls for electronic devices which are soft, lightweight, flexible, washable and wearable.
By integrating its technology into finished products Eleksen has showcased the capabilities of ElekTex, initially in the consumer electronics and wearables markets.
Robin Shephard, Eleksen Chief Executive, said:
"In the short term, Eleksen's focus will be to work with our partners to develop the market for smart fabric controls for consumer electronics.
"Reflecting this, we are delighted to be working to develop a new range of peripherals, including fabric keyboards and integrated soft keyboards and carrying cases, for the new Ultra-Mobile PCs.
"In the longer term Eleksen will license its technology to replicate the success in consumer electronics in other markets, such as healthcare, automotive and military.
"The company's admission to AIM is an important stage in its corporate development and one which offers great opportunity to the company and its shareholders."
WH Ireland is acting as Broker and Nominated Advisor to Bora Communications.
City Capital Corporation is acting as Financial Advisor to Bora Communications.
About Eleksen
Eleksen Ltd. is the world leader in touch sensitive interactive textiles for electronics interface design. The company's core technology, ElekTex(R), is a unique electro-conductive fabric touch pad optimized for the creation of flexible, durable and rugged fabric touch screen interfaces.
ElekTex(R) is used in applications ranging from wearable electronic controls for consumer electronics and industrial wear to lightweight, low-power touch interfaces for CE accessories, telematics, military, transportation and space suits. It replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches which have limited the growth of the wearable electronics markets.
Eleksen licenses ElekTex(R) and reference design to manufacturers for use in custom electronics design and also markets a range of ready-to-integrate solutions for garment, bags and accessories manufacturers. For more information about Eleksen offerings, please visit www.eleksen.com.