KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): ACE Market-bound Metro Healthcare Bhd (KL:MHCARE) said it expects a rise in demand for its fertility treatments, as declining birth rates and delayed family planning contribute to higher needs for reproductive assistance.
Approximately 15% of women globally, including in Malaysia, may require fertility services, said Metro Healthcare executive vice-chairman Dr Tay Swi Peng @ Tee Swi Peng at the launch of the company's prospectus for a transfer of listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.
"We usually advise women to consider egg freezing before reaching the age of 35. This provides the option to conceive at a later stage with a younger egg age, even if natural conception becomes difficult," Tay said, referring to those who delay starting a family voluntarily.
The company aims to expand its network to seven IVF centres by 2025, with new locations in Ipoh and Kelantan. It added that it sees potential for future overseas expansion in markets like China and Indonesia, where demand for fertility services is on the rise.
He noted that while the fertility rate is declining due to lifestyle choices, the rate of infertility from natural causes remains consistent.
Metro Healthcare is one of two healthcare firms with a similar business model to go public on Bursa, aside from Alpha IVF Group Bhd (KL:ALPHA), which debuted on the Main Market in March.
It is also the second to utilise the LEAP-to-ACE Market transfer framework this year, following Steel Hawk Bhd's (KL:HAWK) listing last month.
Metro Healthcare said it plans to remain competitive through technological advancements and leveraging its skilled workforce, with IVF treatment costs set between RM16,000 and RM18,000 per cycle — a more accessible option compared to some higher-end providers, where prices exceed RM20,000.
Priced at 25 sen per share, the initial public offering involves the issuance of 156.63 million new shares, representing a 16% stake in the company. The application period ends on Nov 4, with listing slated for Nov 15.
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