STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 19, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gambro Healthcare, Inc. ("Gambro Healthcare"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gambro AB (Other OTC:GAMBF), announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the US Department of Justice, resolving all claims brought against its subsidiary, Dialysis Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Vivra, Inc.), in U.S. ex. rel., Kneepkins v. Dialysis Holdings, Inc., et.al. 97-1400-GAO (D. Mass). Under the civil settlement agreement, the company has denied all wrongdoing, has received a full release of claims and will make one-time cash payment of approximately USD 4.1 million. All claims brought against Gambro Healthcare had already been dismissed by order of the court in July 2000.
The government's allegations in the lawsuit centered around the operations of a clinical laboratory that had been established as a joint venture between Community Psychiatric Centers, Inc. ("CPC") and Damon Laboratories, Inc. in 1987. Vivra, Inc. had acquired CPC's interest in the joint venture laboratory in 1989. The joint venture was dissolved in 1996, approximately one year before Gambro Healthcare's acquisition of Vivra, Inc. in 1997. At that time, a reserve was established for certain contingencies, including any liability associated with this lawsuit. As a result, the settlement will not have an adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of Gambro AB.
"We are pleased that this chapter in the history of Gambro Healthcare's predecessors is now behind us. Although we had no role in the conduct that the government viewed as problematic in this case, we have done our part as a corporate citizen in resolving this matter," commented Larry C. Buckelew, Chief Executive Officer and President of Gambro Healthcare.
For further information please contact: Bengt Modeer, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, tel. +46-8-613 65 33, +46-70-513 65 33
Pia Irell, Investor Relations Director, Corporate Finance, tel. +46-8-613 65 91, +46-70-513 65 91
Kevin Smith, President Gambro Inc., Investor Relations US, tel. +1-303 231 4750
Gambro is a global medical technology and healthcare company with leading positions in renal care -- services and products -- and blood component technology. Gambro Healthcare is one of the leading providers of kidney dialysis services in the world with more than 52,700 patients in 688 clinics worldwide. Gambro Renal Products comprises dialyzers, dialysis machines, blood lines and dialysis concentrates. Gambro BCT is the market leader in separation and handling of blood components. The group, with 2001 revenues of approximately SEK 27 billion (USD 2.7 billion), has 20,900 employees in some 40 countries.
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