Frankfurt / Heimerdingen – July 24, 2009 – Holmenkol AG, a portfolio company of Nanostart AG, reported first-quarter revenues more than 30 percent above the comparable period in 2008. The new Advanced Protection division, consisting of the company’s Aquatic, Bike and Textile Protection product lines, has been received by the market extremely well, posting a 70 percent quarterly increase compared to the prior year.

Holmenkol – the innovation leader in sports coatings used by top athletes around the world – was able to achieve this increase in its first-quarter revenues despite the ongoing global economic crisis. The company anticipates further growth through the continued execution of its internationalization strategy.

For its last full fiscal year (April 1, 2008 to Marc 31, 2009), Holmenkol had already reported strong sales growth of more than 20 precent. The 30 percent sales growth for the quarter just ended thus marks a significant increase in its growth rate. In addition to its international businesses in Japan and Austria, the company has a new subsidiary in Norway, another important market for winter sports. Further international offices are planned for the current fiscal year as part of the internationalization strategy which will drive long-term growth. Holmenkol also posted a gain in its long-standing home market of Germany, where it won access to some 30 new sales outlets through new key account partnerships. Nanostart AG, the Frankfurt-based investment company, owns just under 50 percent of Holmenkol.

About Nanostart:
Nanostart AG is the world’s leading nanotechnology investment company. The Frankfurt-based company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases. It also provides the benefits of its experience and expertise to developers of financial instruments and to investors in the nanotechnology sector. For further information about the company, please visit www.nanostart.de.

About Holmenkol:
Holmenkol AG, based in Heimerdingen near Stuttgart, produces high-tech surface coatings for high-performance sports and is organized into two business divisions: Performance Skiwax and Advanced Protection. As a provider to top athletes and innovation leader in sports coatings and ski waxes, Holmenkol’s current global success as the preferred brand of champions builds on a legacy dating back many decades. In addition to its products for professional athletes, the company produces innovative products for leisure sports enthusiasts, primarily in the areas of aquatic sports, outdoor activities and cycling. With its state-of-the-art solutions and worldwide distribution network, Holmenkol is on a course for growth. The company’s high-tech solutions also serve as a prime example of how amateur athletes can profit from the latest innovations in professional and performance sports. In its headquarters in the southwest of Germany, its scientists develop new ideas to give skiers, cyclists, swimmers and other athletes a competitive edge, as well as practical products for everyday use. Holmenkol products, which are protected by 18 patents, are currently used by 45 national teams. Additional information about the company may be found at www.holmenkol.com.

Disclaimer:
This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the “Entry Standard” segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

Media contact:
Nanostart AG
Public Relations
Dr. Hans Joachim Dürr
Goethestrasse 26-28
D-60313 Frankfurt
Germany
phone: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 111
fax: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 122
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