(AFP / BERTRAND GUAY)
The French manufacturer of artificial hearts Carmat announced on Monday that it had carried out a capital increase of 16.5 million euros, an operation which will be used primarily to strengthen its cash flow.
The company plans to use these funds “to strengthen its equity”, continue the development of its production and sales, as well as its clinical trial (Eficas) in France, according to a press release.
“The funds raised will notably allow us to continue, in the coming weeks and months, the sales dynamic initiated since the fourth quarter of 2023,” underlines general manager Stéphane Piat, quoted in the press release.
Carmat estimates that it can “continue its activities until February 22, 2024” and estimates its financing needs over the next 12 months at around 50 million euros.
But in the event of an agreement in principle reached with the European Investment Bank on a deferral of loan repayment, this amount would be reduced to 35 million euros and its financial visibility would be extended “to mid-May 2024” .
The company created in 2008 anticipates reaching an agreement with its financial creditors by the end of the first quarter of 2024.