CLARENCE, N.Y., March 4, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc. ("WGT" or "Company") (NYSE:GB), today announced the resignation from its Board of Directors of two representatives from Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), Douglas Rogers and David Wittels. CSFB recently reduced its equity ownership in Wilson Greatbatch Technologies to less than 20% of the shares outstanding. Messrs. Rogers and Wittels have served on the Wilson Greatbatch Technologies Board of Directors since the company's July 1997 management-led buyout. "Doug and David have contributed greatly to the company's success and we thank them for their meritorious service," said Edward F. Voboril, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc.
In a separate action, Wilson Greatbatch Technologies' Board of Directors elected a new member, Mr. Peter Soderberg. Mr. Soderberg has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Welch Allyn, Inc. since January 2000. Before that he was Chief Operating Officer of Welch Allyn's medical products business. Prior to joining Welch Allyn in 1994, Mr. Soderberg had a long career at Johnson & Johnson. During his last five years with Johnson & Johnson, he served as President of their Health Management Unit. Mr. Soderberg serves on the Board of Directors of AdvaMed and on the Foundation Board of the Health Industries Distributors Association. He graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 1968 with a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Sciences. "We are delighted to have Peter join the Wilson Greatbatch Technologies Board of Directors. Peter's leadership experience with outstanding healthcare companies and his in-depth knowledge of the medical technology industry will benefit our company greatly as our Board works closely with Management to ensure the Company takes full advantage of the many exciting opportunities available to it," said Edward F. Voboril, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc., with operations in New York, Maryland, Massachusetts and Nevada, is a leading developer and manufacturer of power sources and components used in pacemakers and other implantable medical devices and specialty batteries for non-medical applications. Additional information about Wilson Greatbatch Technologies is available at www.greatbatch.com.