AVE: Client: Source: Date: 2708.4 Page: Premier Bionics Circulation: The Independent (Main) 20 November 2006 Size: 44 265051 185cm2 Premier Bionics looks poised for healthcare tonic Small Talk BY ANDREW DEWSON One small cap story that passed under the radar screens last week came from Premier Bionics. It is an interesting business, quite apart from being one ofthe very few Australian companies listed in London that has nothing to do with the mining industry. Premier Bionics designs software and hardware which is used to train surgeons. It also provides ongoing consultancy and helps to develop medical skills training facilities. Think "PlayStation Open Heart Surgery" with interactive controls. One ofthe oroblems facing training hospitals is the lack of corpses to practice on, a problem dating much further back than Burke and Hare. Obviously, letting students practice on a live patient carries certain risks, not just restricted to the death of said patient. Pre¬ mier's simulators allow surgery students to practice away to their hearts'content without killing anyone. The company announced another significant deal in China last week, worth A$830,000 (£337,000), its second major contract in the country, to supply its simulators to Southern Medical University in Guangzhou province. Before any Small Talk readers start thinking about filling their children's stockings with a Premier Bionics simulator this Christmas, it is worth knowing that the latest kit will set you back £35,000 per unit. But the Chinese contract could be the tip ofthe iceberg for Premier Bionics in an area of technology that has huge scope for expansion with very little in the way of competition. It can be tough for small companies to impress the market - Premier Bionics' shares remained unchanged at 8p despite confirmation ofthe Chinese contract. However, Small Talk hears that the company is on the verge of signing its next major contract, this time with a household name in UK healthcare. The shares are unlikely to stay at 8p for much longer. Premier Bionics: Think 'PlayStation Open Heart Surgey' Coverage is reproduced under licence from the NLA
PBI Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held