NIB finances R&D in hearing technology

NIB and the Danish hearing healthcare company William Demant Holding A/S have signed a seven-year loan agreement totalling DKK 600 million (EUR 80 million) for financing the company’s research and development programme in 2015–2016.

William Demant’s R&D activities concentrate on developing new wireless hearing aids and acoustic implants for people suffering from hearing impairments.

In its research and development efforts, William Demant closely cooperates with universities and other research centres to access the most recent findings in the field. The company has its own research facility, Eriksholm, dedicated to pursuing audiological discoveries that could provide significantly enhanced end-user benefits in future hearing healthcare.

“Apart from helping the company maintain its leading position in a highly competitive market, we hope that NIB’s loan will contribute to creating sector-specific knowledge and cluster linkages in Denmark’s life sciences industry”, says Henrik Normann, NIB President & CEO.

William Demant is a Denmark-based global leader within modern hearing healthcare solutions. The company develops, manufactures and sells innovative and high-technology solutions incorporating micro-electronics, micro-mechanics, wireless technology, software and audiology. The company’s product range includes hearing aids, diagnostic instruments, hearing implants and audiometric equipment to aid personal communication.

NIB is an international financial institution owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. The Bank finances private and public projects in and outside the member countries. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

For further information, please contact
Vagn Lundhøj, Senior Manager, Origination, at +358 10 618 0370,

Dimitrijs Alehins, Senior Communications Specialist, at +358 10 618 0296,