Is Ellume listed on the ASX?

Why is it so hard to find the healthcare company Ellume on the ASX? That's because it's a private company. Here's what we know.

A sign saying private on a glass window

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Ellume has been a company on every investors' lips over the past couple of months. The Brisbane-based medical company has been at the vanguard of Australia's contribution to fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has pioneered an 'at-home' test for COVID-19. Patients can use this test to get an accurate result within 15 minutes without seeing a doctor or getting the test analysed at a lab.

You can look, but you can't own…

So, very understandably, many ASX investors have been looking for ways to invest in Ellume on the ASX. Some are even going as far as searching for an Ellume ticker code. Unfortunately, those efforts have been and will continue to be, fruitless. See, Ellume is a private company, with its shares unavailable for public investors to trade and invest in.

According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) this week, Ellume actually was considering an ASX-listing through an initial public offering (IPO) around 2½ years ago. The company reportedly even went as far as hiring PAC Partners to assist it with a pre-IPO capital raise and a subsequent listing on the ASX. But alas for its would-be shareholders, this process didn't end up eventuating.

As a private company, Ellume does have shares (84 million according to the AFR report). They are held by a small group of founders, employees and investors at Ellume though. The AFR tells us that Ellume chair and investor Paul Darrouzet holds a quarter of Ellume's shares. Dr Sean Parsons, Ellume's founder and managing director, owns another 14 million.

The rest of Ellume's board also reportedly has ownership stakes. Options and performance shares are often part of board members' salaries as well.

How much are Ellume's shares worth?

It's hard to say exactly how much Ellume and its shares are worth, seeing as the data is not in the public arena. But guesses in the billions are probably not wild. That's because (as we reported at the time) Ellume has recently signed a massive US$250 million contract with the US government to supply 8.5 million testing kits. The deal also involves Ellume building a factory on US soil to meet demand.

Can you invest in Ellume on the ASX?

As we've discussed, you can't directly invest in Ellume on the ASX. However, there are a few other ASX-listed companies that operate in the same space as Ellume. These include Atomo Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: AT1) and Anteotech Ltd (ASX: ADO).

Indeed, Anteotech shares spiked 95% last week on news that it was continuing to work with Ellume in providing some of the technology that goes into the testing.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
Share Market News

What ASX 200 investors just learned about the next RBA interest rate move

Will ASX 200 investors get a much-awaited interest rate cut in August?

Read more »

person with large headphones looking puzzled holding their hand to their chin.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie prefer Harvey Norman or JB Hi-Fi shares?

Both companies have market-beating long-term track records.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Why Capricorn Metals, Insignia, Perseus Mining, and Qoria shares are storming higher

These shares are having a strong session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk with a laptop and documents with a gas heater visible behind him as though he is considering the information in front of him. about the BHP share price
Broker Notes

Leading broker has just downgraded BHP shares. Is it time to sell?

Macquarie sees little upside. But why?

Read more »

A blockchain investor sits at his desk with a laptop computer open and a phone checking information from a booklet in a home office setting.
Broker Notes

Are non-bank lenders a lucrative alternative to the big 4 banks?

The big 4 banks are widely perceived as being fully valued or overvalued.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why CBA, Inghams, Praemium, and Strike Energy shares are tumbling today

These shares are having a tough time on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A man in a business suit and tie places three wooden blocks with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on them on top of each other.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy this booming ASX All Ords tech stock today

A leading broker forecasts more gains to come from this surging ASX All Ords tech stock.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter is bullish on this incredible ASX 200 share

This blue chip could be a strong long-term buy according to the broker.

Read more »