ZURICH, Switzerland and GOTHENBURG, Sweeden, May 10, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In its annual ranking of the best performing companies within the S&P Europe 350, BusinessWeek ranked Nobel Biocare as overall No. 4. The "2007 European BusinessWeek 50" systematically identifies leading companies with outstanding vigor and growth records. Nobel Biocare is the only Swiss company featured in the top 40 and the only pure medical technology firm in the ranking.
The BusinessWeek assessment is based on a proprietary data screen and review by a board of editors and correspondents. The best companies are identified by focusing on core financial measures such as average return on capital and sales growth. Figures are taken over the previous three years. In addition, BusinessWeek compares companies relative to sector peers. The rating is based on the Standard & Poor's 350 which covers major corporations in 17 European markets. The analysis results in the BusinessWeek list of 50 companies playing at the top of their game.
"We are very happy about BusinessWeek's recognition of our work. It underlines that we have been doing the right things and that out of the box solutions do pay off. We are passionate about what we do and eager to push forward scientific research for the good of our patients. This definitely is the key to our success," said Heliane Canepa, President and CEO of Nobel Biocare.
The assessors acknowledge that "Aging Western populations, many with decaying teeth, and a growing desire to have the brightest smile have put Nobel Biocare, the world's largest maker of dental implants, in the sweet spot."
BusinessWeek identifies "new products (an implant that grows its own bone for example) and stellar PR (massive conventions in cities like Las Vegas and research deals with 60 universities)" as the two driving forces enabling Nobel Biocare to boast outstanding results: In 2006, operating profits reached 204 million Euro, with an EBIT margin of 34%.
The complete report and methodology can be viewed at BusinessWeek Online:
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/europe/special_reports/20070503theeuropean.htm
Nobel Biocare is a medical devices group and the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions with its brands Branemark System(r), NobelReplace(tm), NobelSpeedy(tm), NobelPerfect(r), NobelDirect(r), Replace Select, (dental implants), Procera(r) (individualized dental prosthetics), NobelGuide(tm) (complete patient rehabilitation program) and NobelSmile(tm) (patient education campaign). Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative esthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown & Bridge & Implant products, as well as training and education, patient information and clinically documented treatment concepts. Nobel Biocare has over 2,100 employees and recorded revenue of EUR 601 million in 2006. The Company is domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland with headquarters in Zurich and in Gothenburg, Sweden. Production takes place at four production sites located in Sweden and the USA. Nobel Biocare has direct sales organizations in 34 countries. The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.