Genetic Technologies Strengthens Global Leadership in Genomics with Acquisition of EasyDNA

Rhea-AI Summary

Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) announced the acquisition of the eCommerce business EasyDNA for US$4 million. This acquisition aims to expand GTG's direct-to-consumer portfolio across 40 countries, leveraging EasyDNA's established revenue stream of US$4.63 million in CY20. The deal includes websites, brand identities, and distribution agreements related to EasyDNA. The transaction involves US$2 million in cash, US$1.5 million in GTG ADRs, and a US$500k hold in escrow. CEO Simon Morriss highlighted growth opportunities in wellness testing and a robust distribution platform.

Positive

• Acquisition supports expansion into wellness testing and direct-to-consumer market.
• EasyDNA generated US$4.63 million revenue in CY20, indicating established business.
• Revenue from EasyDNA increased by 11% over the last two years.
• Access to over 70 websites in 40 countries enhances GTG's market presence.

Negative

• The issuance of ADRs will dilute existing shareholders by 2.3%.
• The acquisition requires US$500k to be held in escrow, potentially delaying full payment.

A global platform to market the Company’s portfolio across 40 countries

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE, “Company”, “GTG”), a global leader in Genomics tests in health, wellness and serious disease, has signed an agreement to acquire the direct-to-consumer eCommerce business and distribution rights associated with General Genetics Corporation (GGC) and its associated brands trading as EasyDNA (‘EasyDNA’ or ‘EasyDNA Acquisition’), from BelHealth Investment Fund LP (‘BelHealth’), as majority owner for US$4 million in cash and GTG ADRs.

Highlights

• Strategically, this Direct-to-Consumer acquisition provides Genetic Technologies the foundation to grow its portfolio of serious disease tests across well-established websites in 40 countries
• In CY20, EasyDNA had total revenue of US$4.63 million through online retail sales of its at-home DNA tests
• EasyDNA currently sells paternity, oncology and health & wellness genomics-based laboratory tests through agreements with 12 laboratories in North America, AsiaPac and Europe
• Under the terms of the agreement, GTG will acquire all of GGC and EasyDNA’s websites, brand identities, laboratory testing and distribution agreements associated with their EasyDNA business for US$4 million comprising of US$2 million in cash on completion, US$1.5 million paid in GTG ADRs and US$500k in cash to be held in escrow payable to BelHealth on the first anniversary of closing following conditions precedent being satisfied
• EasyDNA revenue has grown by 11% in the last two years, and GTG will target opportunities for further growth.
  

GTG signed an agreement to acquire the brand and distribution rights for EasyDNA from BelHealth. The EasyDNA acquisition will provide GTG the platform to build its direct-to-consumer offerings and wellness division. This acquisition provides an established revenue stream with US$4.63 million in unaudited revenue for CY20 and a stable outlook for future growth and the ability to leverage existing direct-to-consumer marketing avenues for future product sales.

Simon Morriss, Chief Executive Officer of GTG, said, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of EasyDNA. The strong alignment of this brand and platform with GTG’s planned expansion into wellness testing was critical to our decision to acquire the business of EasyDNA.”

EasyDNA generates revenue from the sale of test kits to customers via its network of websites. Tests are typically performed via an oral swab sent directly to the customer from external laboratory partners. The laboratory processes the tests and transmits the results to EasyDNA, with test results communicated to customers by email.

Morriss continued, “We look forward to integrating the EasyDNA team into our business and working closely with them to continue to build upon their existing product portfolio and the brand recognition they have already achieved. EasyDNA is a leader paternity testing and animal genomics, and their breadth of available products also extends into the important wellness category, providing multiple highly attractive growth opportunities for GTC moving forward.”

The agreement provides for the acquisition of all brands, websites and reseller agreements associated with EasyDNA. This includes over 70 websites in 40 countries and six brand identities. EasyDNA revenue contributions are strongly weighted to five countries: Australia, UK, France, Canada and the US, where it received 68% of its CY20 revenue, with the UK as the largest market contributing 20% of total revenue. EasyDNA has current agreements with 12 NATA and associated international certified laboratories.

“With several of our existing tests already CE marked, gaining established sales channels into the EU provides a solid foundation for rapid growth,” added Morriss. “Further, with notable recent progress on our Predictive Panel Risk Test, covering six different cancers, having a strong distribution platform in place with global reach will significantly strengthen our roll out strategy as we move this exciting test into commercialization.”

Additionally, GTG will be onboarding EasyDNA’s existing team, retaining the skills and expertise of its employees based in Malta and Australia. This includes the retention of Kevin Camilleri, founder and CEO of EasyDNA, who will be heading up GTG’s Direct to Consumer Division following the completion of the acquisition. Except for this, no changes will be made to the GTG board and key management personnel.

Under the terms of the agreement, GTG will acquire 100% of EasyDNA’s brands and assets within the General Genetics Corporation business for a purchase price comprising upfront consideration of US$2 million plus US$1.5 million in GTG ADRs. The number of ADRs to be issued will be calculated based on 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the ADRs on the NASDAQ for the 30 days prior to and including the completion date of the agreement (‘Consideration ADRs’). The issue of new ordinary shares underlying the Consideration ADRs will represent 2.3% of the issued share capital and will be issued under GTG’s Listing Rule 7.1 capacity. An additional US$500k cash consideration will be held in escrow for up to 12 months and paid subject to the completion of conditions precedent¹.

The total cash consideration of US$2.5 million will be funded from GTG’s existing cash reserves. The scrip component ensures long-term alignment for GTG and will be subject to a lock-up agreement for the first six months following their issuance. The Consideration ADRs are subject to a lock-up agreement whereby BelHealth’s will not be able to trade in GTG securities for six months after completion.

The transaction is subject to satisfying customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that these conditions will be met on or before 31 July 2021.

GTG will continue to assess further acquisition targets with a focus on assets that enhance its core platform offerings; extend its product offering; open access to new customers; and expand its position in key geographic markets.

^{___________________________
1} Conditions precedent incorporate receipt of all standard documentation and statements of consent from all parties, no material change to the business or financial situation, no breach of warranty; receipt of all employment contracts; confirmation of signing all agreed contracts and confirmation of no legal proceedings.

Investor Relations (AUS) Stephanie Ottens Market Eye M: +61 434 405 400 E: stephanie.ottens@marketeye.com.au	Investor Relations and Media (US) Dave Gentry 1 800 RED CHIP (733 2447) Cell: 407 491 4498 E: dave@redchip.com

About Genetic Technologies Limited

Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; Nasdaq: GENE) is a diversified molecular diagnostics company. GTG offers cancer predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage patient health. The Company’s lead products GeneType for Breast Cancer for non-hereditary breast cancer and GeneType for Colorectal Cancer are clinically validated risk assessment tests and are first in class. Genetic Technologies is developing a pipeline of risk assessment products.

For more information, please visit www.gtglabs.com

About EasyDNA

EasyDNA was established in 2007 in Malta and 2008 in Australia developing an online network of over 70 websites in over 40 countries. EasyDNA’s network of online retail sales platforms offers fast and affordable home DNA testing that is reliable and confidential. They also offer a number of lifestyle and health and wellbeing tests, and animal testing relating to allergies and tolerances.

For more information, please visit www.EasyDNA.com  

About BelHealth Investment Fund LP

BelHealth Investment Partners is a healthcare private equity firm focused on lower middle market companies with a unique combination of investing, executive management and entrepreneurial experience. BelHealth acquires majority positions in entrepreneur-owned companies that it believes would benefit from its extensive operating and private equity investment expertise. BelHealth partners with executives and provides growth and expansion expertise both organically and through add-on acquisitions, capital to fund its investment strategy, and domain knowledge in targeted healthcare sectors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, statements regarding the expected use of proceeds. In addition, from time to time, the Company or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "may," "should" or "anticipate" or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. These forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of the Company's authorized executive officers. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause the Company's actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in such forward-looking statements as detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its periodic filings in Australia and the risks and risk factors included therein. In addition, the Company operates in an industry sector where securities values are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

What is the significance of Genetic Technologies' acquisition of EasyDNA?

The acquisition allows Genetic Technologies to enhance its direct-to-consumer presence and expand its wellness testing portfolio across 40 countries.

How much did Genetic Technologies pay for EasyDNA?

Genetic Technologies acquired EasyDNA for US$4 million, consisting of US$2 million in cash, US$1.5 million in GTG ADRs, and US$500k in escrow.

What was EasyDNA's revenue for CY20?

EasyDNA reported total revenue of US$4.63 million for CY20 from online retail sales of at-home DNA tests.

What potential growth opportunities arise from the EasyDNA acquisition?

The acquisition provides Genetic Technologies with established sales channels and a foundation to grow its wellness testing products, leveraging EasyDNA's existing market presence.

What impact will this acquisition have on GENE's stock?

While the acquisition presents growth opportunities, it may dilute existing shares slightly due to the issuance of new ADRs.