BTF earns fast growth kudos

Private Sydney-based biotech BTF has achieved 101 per cent revenue growth over the last three years, earning itself a place in the 2005 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards.

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranks the 50 fastest growing technology companies, public or private, based on percentage revenue growth over three years (2003 to 2005) and includes all related industry sectors.

BTF has developed a range of precise reference materials for life sciences, which are now sold to top-tier food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, drinking water providers and industry regulators around the world.

¨Our significant growth is a result of the successful introduction of our unique BioBall products into the food, pharmaceutical and water industries,~ said BTF CEO Mark Gauci. ¨We are delighted at the response from customers, and we are working hard to ensure we meet the increased demand for our products.~

BTF currently has 24 different strains of BioBall products and the company plans to increase the available strains to 50 plus within the next few years.

According to BTF^s CFO Wayne Mead, the company is continuing to perform well, ¨Our year to date sales are up 65 per cent on last year, and our target growth for the full year is 57 per cent. Sales are up across the board with BioBall representing a large component -- as we continue to add further strains we anticipate sales will continue to rise,~ he said.

Deloitte Growth Solutions partner Julia Bickerstaff said: ¨It is more difficult for life sciences companies to be included in the index because they are competing against more traditional forms of technology that can grow very quickly.~

Also recognised in the awards were listed biotechs Cellestis, (323 per cent growth) and Cogstate (239 per cent).