Healthy outlook at Drew

DREW Scientific joins the procession of high-tech flotations next Monday when dealings start in its shares. Valued at pounds 25m by a 105p institutional placing, the medical products company looks likely to continue the trend of first-day premiums, with the shares oversubscribed.

Drew makes analytical equipment to measure haemoglobin levels in blood samples as part of the diagnosis of diabetes. About 2 per cent of the world's population suffers from the disease. The main product, Glycomat, automatically tests up to 100 blood samples. A smaller version will be launched this year.

Drew made a first operating profit in the year to March of pounds 20,000 but the company says sales are accelerating, mainly thanks to its foray into the US. Last-quarter sales of pounds 900,000 represented more than half the total for the year.

RPC Group, the plastic packaging group, is joining the market via a pounds 35m placing and intermediaries offer, valuing it at pounds 75m. Two-thirds of the 28 million shares being issued are placed with institutional investors and the balance are being offered at 125p each. Dealings start on 28 May.

The company made pounds 6.8m before tax in the year to 31 March.