Dr Burnie has raised millions via a share flotation to pursue the project.

BBC: New weapon in superbug war

In June, EMI said it would launch a strategic review into the future of the business, which it said could result in a sale, share flotation, or a restructuring of its finances.

BBC: EMI sells music unit to Universal for ?1.2bn

Clubs to consult supporters on major decisions such as ground relocation, Stock Market flotation, and major share sales.

BBC: You are in: UK

But given the rapidly growing interest in share ownership among ordinary Germans, flotation is unlikely to remain taboo for long.

ECONOMIST: Demutualisation in Germany

The share price, euro12.80 at flotation in 1997, sank to euro4.50 earlier this month, but has since climbed a little.

ECONOMIST: Industry in eastern Germany

The share price leapt from the 160 pence flotation price to 190p.

BBC: Float scrambles Egg

In spite of its plummeting share price, Facebook has oodles of cash from its recent stockmarket flotation.

ECONOMIST: Small children are a big headache for the social network

First, a bull market, and the shining success of Deutsche Telekom, the former state-owned telecommunications monopoly whose share price has risen 50% since the firm's widely publicised flotation in November, has made German investors increasingly adventuresome.

ECONOMIST: Venture capital