Getinge Divests ALM's Surgical Tables Business


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- In line with previous announcements, Getinge (Other OTC:GNGBF) has signed an agreement to sell ALM's surgical tables business. The sale of the surgical tables business follows the injunction that the French competition authority placed on Getinge in connection with the acquisition.

The buyer is Fournitures Hospitalieres SA of France, which has sales of around EUR 40 million and whose main activities are orthopaedic implants and distribution of operating room equipment and healthcare products.

The sale is expected to be completed within the next 3 months and includes the net assets associated with the surgical table business, including inventory of components and finished goods, fixtures and tools. In addition to the net assets value, the buyer will pay an amount of goodwill. The sale does not include any parts of the business area Surgical Systems' service or sales organisation.

The sale of the surgical tables business will generate a cash flow of around EUR 11 million, of which around 50% of the payment will be made during 2003. The sale will result in a minor capital gain.

Johan Malmquist CEO

Getinge is a world leader in the fields of equipment and systems for healthcare, long-term medical care and the pharmaceutical industry/laboratories. Equipment, technology and services for operating theatres, combating infection, patient hygiene, patient care and sore prevention are supplied to customers globally. The Group has sales of SEK 8.1 billion and 5,300 employees. Website http://www.getinge.com

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