SDI to list on AIM

Investment opportunity

Scientific Digital Imaging (SDI) plc, is to list on the Alternative Investment Market in London, to underpin its strategy of acquiring digital imaging companies in Europe. Dealings in the shares are expected to commence in December 2008.

SDI specialises in the use of digital imaging technology to replace visual interpretation by capturing images, digitising them and carrying out computer analyses to provide quantitative information.  Its products address areas such as DNA and protein analysis and various forms of microbial colony counting.

Armed with a listing, the Company intends to acquire similar companies in the life sciences sector and in other scientific markets, as well as seeking to generate organic growth.

Cambridge-based SDI says it is in a strong position to exploit the considerable consolidation opportunities in the market, with many small companies addressing specific niche applications. The opportunity exists to gain economies of scale by both vertical integration and the acquisition of companies operating in the same area but addressing different market segments.

Philip Atkin, CEO, obtained a PhD in Engineering from Cambridge through research in digital imaging.  Some of his work was commercialised by Synoptics, a company co-founded by Atkin and now the principal subsidiary of SDI.

In an early implementation of its strategy, SDI recently acquired Artemis CCD Ltd and Perseu Comércio de Equipamento Para Informática e Astronomia, SA, designers and manufacturers of high-sensitivity cameras for astronomical and life science applications, in October 2008. Synoptics integrates these cameras in its own instruments.