Avacta Group Regulatory News (AVCT)

9 Nov 2007 16:59

Avacta Group plc Board Appointment

Avacta Group plc ("Avacta" or the "Company"), which develops detection and analysis technology aimed at the biopharmaceutical, defence & security and clinical diagnostics markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Russell Hodgetts to the Board of Directors, with effect from 10 July 2007.

Russell Winston Hodgetts, 36, has been Chief Operating Officer of Avacta since October 2005, and has a wealth of experience in strategic business development and group operations. Prior to joining Avacta he worked for Techtran Group Limited where he helped guide the commercialization and business development of companies created from University of Leeds research and intellectual property.

He currently oversees the development of the analytical services division of the Company in addition to being responsible for group operations.

Russell Hodgetts is the beneficial owner of 9,847,912 ordinary shares of 0.1p each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares"), representing approximately 1.27 per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company and 1,804,568 options to acquire Ordinary Shares at an exercise price of 2.25p per share.

He is also a director of Avacta Analytical Limited.

Russell Hodgetts was named Russell Beckett until family circumstances led to his name being changed when aged 11.

There are no other disclosures required by paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules for Companies.

Professor Alastair Smith, Chief Executive, Avacta Group plc, commented:

"Russell has been an integral part of the development of Avacta over the past two years and his focus on continued growth has been central to the success of Avacta Analytical Ltd. We are pleased to welcome him to the Board and will continue to draw on his knowledge and drive to ensure that Avacta maintains its current path of development and innovation."

9 November 2007EnquiriesAvacta Group plc Tel: 0870 835 4367 Alastair Smith, Chief Executive WH Ireland Limited Tel: 0161 832 2174 David Youngman/Robin Gwyn BankOra Limited Tel: 020 7562 4713 Henry Turcan/Michael Brennan Nexus Financial Ltd Tel: 020 7451 7050 Nicholas Nelson/Kathy Boate nicholas.nelson@nexusgroup.co.uk