Getinge Further Strengthens its Competition Within Surgical Systems


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 13, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Getinge has today informed employees and union representatives at the Heraeus Med factory in Hanau Germany, that the company intends to discontinue activities at the site by the end of 2003. All employees will be affected.

Today Heraeus Med GmbH employs 220 people. The co-ordination of production, principally with ALM in Ardon France -- the Group's centre of excellence for lighting systems and ceiling service units -- and the integration of Heraeus Med's sales & market organisation with the global distribution organisation of Business Area Surgical Systems, will require some 90 people. Included in this figure are the people required to carry out the product development activities which are intended to remain in Hanau.

The acquisition of Heraeus Med was finalized in June this year. Hereaus Med GmbH has a sales turnover of approximately EUR 50 million and is together with ALM one of the world's leading producers of surgical lighting systems and ceiling service units. In addition the company also works with therapy products and gas distribution for operating theatres.

Information concerning restructuring costs and synergy effects relating to the above activities will be published in Getinge's Q3 report due out on 17 October.

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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