CORPAK Acquires Merck Serono's UK Gastroenterology Sales and Distribution Operation

BUFFALO GROVE, IL--(Marketwire - Oct 2, 2012) -  CORPAK MedSystems, Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of medical devices for the enteral-feeding and bedside-location markets, today announced it will acquire the gastroenterology sales and distribution operation of Merck Serono Limited in the UK and Ireland. Merck Serono had previously served as CORPAK's distribution partner for the region.

"The acquisition of the Merck Serono gastroenterology business strengthens our presence in Europe and our direct operation will support high levels of customer service and continued growth," says Tom Kuhn, President of CORPAK. "I would like to thank the employees at Merck Serono for their support in building the CORPAK business in the UK and Republic of Ireland."

"The gastroenterology business is a strong and growing operation in the UK and Ireland, but Merck Serono has made a strategic decision to focus on our core pharmaceutical business," explains Charles Dring, Commercial Director of Merck Serono Limited. "We have been working very closely with CORPAK to make the transition as seamless as possible for our customers."

There will be no change to the product range and all CORPAK products will continue to be available on the current codes and prices. The acquisition keeps relationships with existing sub-distributors unchanged.

"We are especially pleased to be able to welcome the gastroenterology employees from Merck Serono to the CORPAK family," says Jeff Blair, CEO of CORPAK. "We are confident that the UK and Ireland team will continue the history of excellence and dedication that has benefitted our customers in the past."

"This acquisition represents an important step in expanding our international presence and we look forward to continuing to provide our innovative, quality products to the European market," added Eric Larson, Chairman of the CORPAK Board.

CORPAK MedSystems UK (www.corpakmedsystemsuk.com)
The Beehive, City Place
Gatwick, RH6 0PA
Tel: +44 (0) 129 380 4769
Fax: +44 (0) 129 380 4770
E-mail: info@corpakuk.com

About CORPAK MedSystems, Inc. (www.corpakmedsystems.com)
CORPAK MedSystems, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative medical devices focused on the enteral-feeding and bedside-location markets, including the company's flagship CORTRAK computer-guided system that enables real-time visualization of the feeding-tube tip during placement. The company has established the leading market position in premium branded, adult, long-term nasogastric feeding tubes and offers a broad portfolio of other high-quality enteral products, including gastrostomy feeding tubes, gastric-pressure relief devices, and enteral-feeding safety devices. Founded in 1979, CORPAK was acquired by Linden Capital Partners in August 2008 from Cardinal Health. The company has recently moved to a new state-of-the-art facility just north of Chicago in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.