LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Philips Oral Healthcare, Inc. today announced that a settlement is pending in the case "Harrell v. Philips Electronics North America Corporation." The full court announcement follows:
SUMMARY NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT TO: ALL PERSONS WHO reside or resided in California AND who, between July 22, 2000 and April 19, 2005, purchased a Sonicare Toothbrush (the "Settlement Class"). THIS NOTICE AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS: PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. Notice is hereby given that settlement of the following class action lawsuit: Harrell v. Philips Electronics North America Corporation, Case No. BC 318897, is now pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court. In this lawsuit, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants Philips Oral Healthcare, Inc. and Philips Electronics North America Corp. ("Defendants"), knew, recklessly disregarded, or reasonably should have known that whitening toothpastes containing baking soda and/or peroxides react with Defendants' Sonicare toothbrushes causing the shell of the handle and brush to allegedly crack, forcing the consumer to prematurely replace the brush and/or replace the entire unit at substantial cost. Plaintiff contends that Defendants violated California law. Defendants deny all liability for such claims and do not believe that Plaintiff or members of the Settlement Class have suffered any injury as a result of the alleged conduct, or that Defendants have mislead any consumers. A settlement has been preliminarily approved by the Court. On April 19, 2005, the Court ordered that a Notice of Preliminary Approval of Class Settlement be e-mailed to the last known e-mail address of each Settlement Class member for those email addresses evidencing a California Nexus; that said Notice be posted on Defendants' web-site at www.sonicare.com; and that Notice be published using PrimeZone news wire service. If you are a Settlement Class member under the above definition of Settlement Class but did not receive a copy of the Notice, you may request a copy of the Notice free of charge by sending a request to counsel for the Plaintiff and Settlement Class at: Michael D. Braun, Esq. BRAUN LAW GROUP, P.C. 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 920 Los Angeles, California 90025 info@braunlawgroup.com The Hon. Morris B. Jones will hold a final approval hearing on June 17, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 48 of the Los Angeles Superior Court, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California. If you want detailed information on this lawsuit, or how and when to make an objection to the settlement, you must request a copy of the full Notice through the above address. If you do not object to the settlement by May 27, 2005, you will be prohibited from seeking further relief on the matters subject to this settlement. Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number in any request for information. PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT ABOUT THIS NOTICE Dated: April 19, 2005 BY ORDER OF THE HONORABLE MORRIS B. JONES LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT