STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 4, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Getinge Group today received the final approval from the German antitrust authority to complete the acquisition of Heraeus Med Technology.
Heraeus Med Technology is one of the world's leading producers of surgical lighting systems and ceiling service units for operating theatres, and is a good complement to the Group's existing business in this field, both product-wise and geographically. In 2001 Heraeus Med Technology had sales of around EUR 52 million and employed 280 persons. The head office and manufacturing facilities are based in Hanau, Germany.
When the acquisition of Heraeus Med Technology was announced in January this year, Getinge expected that the German authority would approve it already in March. Heraeus Med Technology which will be integrated in Getinge's business area Surgical Systems, will significally strengthen profits of the business area from 2003. The postponed approval from the antitrust authority means that the synergies for this year will be limited and that the impact on profit before tax will be marginally negative. Heraeus Med Technology will be part of the Getinge group from 1 July 2002.
GETINGE is a leading provider of equipment and systems to customers within health care, extended care and pharmaceutical industries/laboratories. Equipment, services and technologies for infection control, operating theatres, patient hygiene, patient handling and wound care are supplied to customers throughout the world. The Getinge Group has net sales of 8.1 billion SEK with 5 300 employees. Internet http://www.getinge.com
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