Q&M unit Acumen Diagnostics to explore Nasdaq listing

ACUMEN Diagnostics, a subsidiary of mainboard-listed Q&M Dental Group QC7 : QC7 0%, is exploring a proposed listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York, Q&M said on Monday (Jan 17).

Medical technology company Acumen Diagnostics was set up in 2020 as a joint venture between Q&M and Ong Siew Hwa, the founder of Acumen Research Laboratories. It operates clinical labs that process polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Covid-19.

Noting that the Nasdaq is known for technology and innovation, Acumen Diagnostics expects a listing status on Nasdaq will provide it with ready access to the world's largest economy, an expanded investor base and additional source of financing.

It is also "an excellent opportunity" for the company to enhance its corporate profile as it seeks to further expand its business, it added.

The proposed listing is still at the preparatory and evaluation stage, hence no application has been made to Nasdaq or any other regulatory authority or stock exchange yet, the company said.

Acumen Diagnostics is 51 per cent owned by Q&M and 49 per cent owned by Catalist-listed Aoxin Q&M Dental Group 1D4 : 1D4 0% - an associated company of Q&M.

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The company was previously granted a licence by the Ministry of Health to provide swabbing and Covid-19 PCR tests services. It had also said that its tests are capable of detecting Covid-postive cases of variants Omicron and Delta.

Acumen Diagnostics has appointed UOB Kay Hian to assist with the listing evaluation and all relevant preparatory work, including the selection of professional advisers and underwriting banks.

Shares of Q&M closed at S$0.635 on Monday, up by 2.5 Singapore cents or 4.1 per cent, while shares of Aoxin Q&M closed at S$0.25, up by 0.5 cent or 2.0 per cent.

READ MORE:

• Q&M Dental Q3 net profit surges 69% on medical equipment and supplies segment
• Aoxin Q&M's acquisition will raise its exposure to PCR testing demand: Deputy CEO
• Aoxin Q&M to acquire 49% stake in Acumen Diagnostics for S$29.4m through issue of new shares