VLR announces the opening of new U.S. office based in New York

Van Leeuwenhoeck Research, Inc. (VLR) today announced the opening of a new U.S. office based in New York. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Marcel Wijma will lead the team's effort to expand the VLR platform to provide institutional investors and other professional investors with independent, unbiased research on the real value of innovative life sciences companies.

"Many institutional and individual investors will not invest in companies lacking independent third-party research coverage, yet few investment banks cover this sector because it requires dedicated expertise. In spite of the lack of quality knowledge on an industry-wide basis, there is increased demand for life science-specific market research as investors are seeking information about leading companies in the sector in order to make well-informed investment decisions. We work to fill that void," said Wijma.

"It is important to differentiate between objective fee-based research and research that is promotional. Objective fee-based research is analogous to the role of a physician. Patients pay a physician to provide his or her professional and truthful opinion of their condition - not to merely say they feel and/or look good. Legitimate fee-based research is a professional and objective analysis and opinion of a company's investment potential," Wijma said.

VLR's subscription service provides detailed information on a wide selection of biotech companies that investors are tracking. This service is based on quarterly, in-depth research reports and a daily email service to keep subscribers informed about relevant news flow and issues that might trigger fluctuations in the price of the underlying securities. The VLR team conducts fundamental financial research, independently from any specific broker, bank, or investor. A select circle of top analysts assists the firm in conducting fundamental biotech research according to the highest standards.

The firm's research operations are similar to a research department of a major investment banking firm but without brokerage or investment banking operations. Unlike traditional brokerage firms that limit research distribution to clients in exchange for commissions, VLR widely distributes its research to institutions and individuals within Europe and North America.

In addition to the custom research reports, VLR hosts investor and corporate seminars and educational events, publishes several subscription based newsletters, develops investor handbooks and produces an annual BioTech Guide.