EANS-News: Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsges. AG / DEWB continuously develops its investment portfolio

- Expansion of investment activity

- Investment business impacted by financial crisis

- DEWB closes difficult capital market year 2008 with net loss

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Jena, 19 March 2009 (euro adhoc) - Deutsche Effecten- und
Wechsel-Beteiligungsgesellschaft AG (DEWB) significantly expanded its
investment activity in the 2008 financial year, investing a total of
around 9.9 million Euros (2007: 3.9 million Euros). The Company
systematically implemented the strategy of focusing its investment
portfolio on its core technological competency, with the portfolio
share attributable to photonics and sensor systems increasing to 56%.
In addition to follow-up financing in the existing portfolio, DEWB
invested in two promising new companies: Nanotron Technologies GmbH
and Nanda Technologies GmbH.

"We are the only professional venture capital investor in the
German-speaking market with a focus on the photonics sector. Our
extensive technological expertise and top-quality network within the
industry make us the ideal partner for companies looking for
capital," commented Bertram Köhler, member of the Management Board of
DEWB.

Positive development at KSW and NOXXON As of 31 December 2008, DEWB
had investments in a total of twelve companies. KSW Microtec AG
(KSW), Dresden, and NOXXON Pharma AG (NOXXON), Berlin, remain the
most promising companies in the portfolio and currently offer the
greatest revenue potential.

The RFID component manufacturer KSW developed positively in 2008
despite the lower level of income from standard inlays. The company
entered new business segments with the launch of new, innovative
products for card and eGovernment applications, such as the
ultra-thin prelaminate Thinlam©.

The biotechnology company NOXXON is close to entering the clinical
phase with three promising drug candidates from its exclusive and
highly innovative Spiegelmer technology platform. In addition to
Pfizer and Roche, the company successfully attracted Eli Lilly as a
third high-profile cooperation partner in 2008.

Net loss due to financial market crisis DEWB closed the 2008
financial year with a net loss of 3.1 million Euros. The financial
market crisis led to a slump in company valuations. In this
environment, DEWB was unable to realise any significant exits. The
Company generated income of 0.7 million Euros from its investment
business, compared with 12.6 million Euros in 2007. In the year under
review, DEWB recognised write-downs of 2.1 million Euros in profit
and loss (2007: 0.4 million Euros). These primarily related to IT and
biotechnology investments. Accordingly, DEWB reported a gross loss of
1.6 million Euros (2007: gross profit of 2.6 million Euros).
Administrative expenses continued to decline year-on-year, totalling
1.6 million Euros (2007: 1.8 million Euros). Earnings before interest
and taxes (EBIT) fell from 1.4 million Euros in 2007 to ?2.4 million
Euros in the year under review.

Net asset value, the central performance indicator for value
development in the Company´s investment portfolio, fell by 21% from
46.2 to 36.6 million Euros; this results in NAV of 2.41 Euros per
share. This was primarily due to the reversal of the revaluation of
KSW Microtec Holding AG as of 31 December 2007 in the amount of 6.2
million Euros, as well as the net loss for the year. Assets under
management declined from 71.2 million Euros in the previous year to
57.4 million Euros in 2008.

Outlook DEWB´s overriding objective is to expand its assets under
management to more than 100 million Euros in the medium term by
increasing the value of its investments. In light of the uncertain
impact and duration of the financial crisis, it has been necessary to
extend the original target of 2010 for this development. Attractive
exits resulting in significant income and earnings contributions for
DEWB will only be possible once there is a sustained recovery in the
market environment and company valuations.

"Our activities over recent years have ensured that DEWB and its key
investments are well positioned to cope with an extended lean period
without exit possibilities," asserted Bertram Köhler. "We have
created a solid basis for the long-term value growth of our
investments and are confident that, despite the turbulence currently
affecting the stock markets and the economy as a whole, DEWB´s
business model will generate above-average returns in the medium and
long term."

The 2008 Annual Report published today can be downloaded from DEWB´s
website at www.dewb-vc.com.

About DEWB Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel- Beteiligungsgesellschaft
AG (DEWB AG, Prime Standard, Securities No.: 804100 / ISIN:
DE0008041005) is an investment company that specialises in young and
established medium-sized companies. The focus of our investments is
on strong growth companies from the areas of photonics and sensor
systems for which we provide support through shareholders' equity,
expertise in corporate development and our sector network. Our
regional focus lies in the German speaking countries (D, A, CH).
Since 1997 we have invested more than 355 million Euros in 55
companies and realized more than 420 million Euros through 36 exits,
eight of which were in the form of IPOs. The company is located in
Jena, one of the most successful technology and science regions in
Germany, with a long tradition in the field of optical technologies
and one of the most important European centres for photonics.

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsges. AG (DEWB)
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Marco Scheidler

DEWB AG

Leutragraben 1

Germany, 07743 Jena

Tel: +49 (0) 3641 573 3600

Fax: +49 (0) 3641 573 3610

E-Mail: ir@dewb-vc.com

www.dewb-vc.com

Branche: Financial & Business Services
ISIN: DE0008041005
WKN: 804100
Index: CDAX, Classic All Share, Prime All Share
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Börse Berlin / free trade
Börse Stuttgart / free trade
Börse München / free trade