SGM.L Regulatory News (SGM)

8 May 2007 07:02

Sigma Capital Group PLC08 May 2007 For Immediate Release 8 May 2007 SIGMA CAPITAL GROUP PLC Further £2m investment round for DEM Solutions Limited ("DEM Solutions") Sigma Technology Venture Fund, a fund managed by Sigma Technology ManagementLimited ("Sigma"), is pleased to announce the completion of a £2m funding roundinto DEM Solutions, a leading provider of computer aided engineering softwarefor the modeling of particles in industrial processes. Sigma led a previousinvestment of £1m into DEM Solutions in July 2005 and has seen the company makesignificant progress since that time including a tripling of sales over the lastyear. As well as the continued participation of Scottish Enterprise (acting throughthe Scottish Co-investment Fund), Sigma is delighted to be joined at this roundby NewMedia SPARK plc who invested £1.7m. The investment proceeds will be usedto further expand the sales and marketing resource and support the developmentof new software releases. Founded in 2003 by Dr John Favier, DEM Solutions has quickly become the leadingprovider of 'discrete element' modelling tools for industrial processes. Used ina wide range of industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, mining, oil & gas,energy, agriculture and food processing, in which over 70% of processes involveparticles (rocks, sand, coal, pharmaceuticals etc), DEM Solutions' software("EDEM") reduces the need for expensive prototyping, and helps improve processefficiency and save energy. The first version of DEM's software was launched in October 2005, since whichtime the company has sold to many of the world's leading companies across abroad range of industrial sectors including space, (NASA), manufacturing &agriculture (John Deere) and asphalt/minerals handling (Astec Industries). Inaddition, DEM software has been adopted by world leading industrial researchgroups at universities such as the University of Cape Town and University ofQueensland. Mark Hogarth, Investment Director of Sigma, who joined the DEM Solutions' Boardas a non-executive director at the time of Sigma's first investment, willcontinue in this role. ENDS ENQUIRIES:Sigma Capital Group plcMark Hogarth, Investment Director Tel: 0131 220 9444 Buchanan CommunicationsDiane Stewart/Isabel Podda Tel: 020 7466 5000 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange