STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Getinge has signed an agreement to acquire Heraeus Medical Technology. The acquisition is conditional on the approval by German competition authorities. Heraeus Medical Technology is one of the world's leading producers of surgical lighting systems and ceiling service units. In addition to these two product areas the company also works with therapy products and gas distribution for operating theatres.
Heraeus Medical Technology had sales of around EUR 52 million in 2001 and employs 280 persons. The head office and manufacturing facilities are based in Hanau, Germany. Products are sold via the sales organizations in Germany, the UK, Spain, Japan and the US. There is also has a well-developed distribution network internationally.
The acquisition of Heraeus Medical Technology is an important step in further strengthening the business area Surgical Systems as a leading supplier of integrated surgical workstations. Getinge's existing activities will be complemented, both product-wise and geographically.
The acquisition will also significantly strengthen profits of the business area Surgical Systems from 2003. The impact on profits for the current year will be marginally positive.
Heraeus Medical Technology is part of the Heraeus Group which has annual sales of around EUR 8 billion and is the world leader in the handling of precious metals, dental health, quartz glass, sensor technology and specialty lighting sources.
You are hereby invited to a teleconference today at 10 a.m. with Johan Malmquist and CFO Ulf Grunander. To participate please call +44 (0)20 8240 8244, password: Getinge Powerpoint presentation on the Company's Website http://www.getinge.com
Getinge is a world leader in the fields of equipment and systems for healthcare, long-term medical care and the pharmaceutical industry/laboratories. Equipment, technology and services for operating theatres, infection control, patient hygiene, patient care and wound care are supplied to customers globally. Getinge has sales of SEK 8 billion in 2001 and 5,400 employees.
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