Cryo-Save Group N.V. (Euronext: CRYO, 'Cryo-Save', or 'the Group'), the leading international stem cell storage company and the largest family stem cell bank in Europe, announces its trading update for the quarter ended 30 September 2013.

The third quarter was characterized by the commencement of the full implementation of the turnaround plan "Fit for Future", which was announced together with the publication of the midyear results in August. This comprehensive turnaround plan will enable the Group to swing back to profitability by year-end, based on driving awareness aimed at the consumer, improving the effectiveness of all sales channels in combination with strict cost saving programs, improved working capital management and disposal of loss-making foreign operations. The turnaround plan will lead to a sustainable profitable future and a healthy upside from the next wave of growth of stem cell therapy.

The implementation of the identified cost saving measures aimed at reducing the break-even level before the end of the year is well on its way. By the end of September, the implemented actions covered already approximately 70% of the total turnaround plan.

Q3, 2013 shows an operating loss before depreciation and amortization of €0.3 million. This operating loss was affected by additional legal and consulting expenses of approximately €0.8 million. Despite this operating loss, the Group was able to improve its cash position from €5.3 million by the end of June 2013 to €5.4 million by the end of September 2013, predominantly as a result of the working capital improvement measures as part of the turnaround plan.

The impact of the turnaround plan on the new client acquisitions is expected to be seen as of Q4, 2013. This will be the result of a new marketing approach addressing directly the end clients as well as a further professionalization of the commercial operations. A newly implemented key account management approach focused at the medical community will be complemented by a strong attention to the end-consumer (B2C). The optimal deployment of social media as well as other innovative sales channels will be the key marketing tools in that sense.