Swiss HBM Bioventures to list on Swiss exchange

ZURICH, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Swiss biotechnology investment firm HBM Bioventures Ltd said on Monday it plans to expand its shareholder base through an initial public offering and to list on the SWX Swiss Exchange shortly.

HBM, which currently has investments in more than 40 emerging private and small-cap companies, had net assets at the end of 2007 of 1.1 billion Swiss francs ($997.3 million), or a net asset value per share of 101.93 francs.

Private companies account for 59 percent of HBM's investment portfolio while public companies originating from the private portfolio make up for another 17 percent, other public companies 11 percent and other assets, including cash, 8 percent.

UBS (UBSN.VX) had been retained as the sole global coordinator and sole bookrunner for the planned IPO. Merrill Lynch MER.N, Sal. Oppenheim and Sarasin/Neue Zuercher Bank were co-lead managers, HBM Ventures said in its statement.

(Reporting by Andrew Hurst; Editing by Valerie Lee)