BASEL, Switzerland, Dec. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Straumann, a global leader in implant dentistry and oral tissue regeneration, today announced the appointment of Marco Gadola as its new Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Finance Division. At 42, Mr. Gadola is a seasoned executive with a strong international track record in finance, administration and supply chain management. He joins Straumann from the Swiss-based international food group Hero, where he has been CFO since 2001. In this position, he was in charge of finance, information technology and supply chain. He also had full financial and commercial responsibility for several Hero group companies, including Hero Switzerland and Hero Italy. In 2004, the Hero Group achieved revenues of CHF 1.35 billion and had approximately 3,500 employees.
Previously, Marco Gadola was employed for nine years by the international construction tool manufacturer Hilti and held a number of commercial and finance related positions in various countries, including Vice President of Corporate Audit and CFO of Hilti's Latin American, U.S. and German operations. Before joining Hilti, Marco Gadola worked for Sandoz International Ltd. as an Audit Manager and for Swiss Bank Corporation, Basel, in Corporate Finance.
Mr. Gadola will assume his new position in June 2006 taking over from Martin Gertsch who will be leaving Straumann at the end of January 2006.
About Straumann
Straumann is the highest-ranked Swiss company among the top 100 fastest-growing, medium-sized companies in Europe according to the 2005 Europe's 500 survey published in "Businessweek." The company also ranked top of the healthcare sector and number 12 overall in the 2005 "manager magazin" survey of the 500 leading, public-traded companies in Europe.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Straumann (SWX:STMN) is a global leader in implant dentistry and oral tissue regeneration. In collaboration with the International Team for Implantology (ITI), leading clinics, research institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, produces and distributes implants, instruments and tissue regeneration products for use in tooth replacement solutions or to prevent tooth loss. Straumann also provides training and services to the dental profession worldwide. The Group manufactures implant system components and instruments in Switzerland and the USA and dental tissue regeneration products in Sweden. Straumann's products and services are available in more than 60 countries worldwide through the Group's 16 distribution subsidiaries and a broad network of distribution partners. Straumann employs approximately 1,300 people worldwide, and generated sales of CHF 420 million and a net income of CHF 101 million in 2004.
Straumann Holding AG, Peter Merian-Weg 12, 4002; Basel, Switzerland; Phone: +41 (0)61 965 11 11 / Fax: +41 (0)61 965 11 01; E-Mail:corporate.communication@straumann.com
Homepage: www.straumann.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain "forward-looking" and other statements, which reflect the views of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group's products, the potential for the Group's products to become obsolete, the Group's ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group's ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group's ability to generate revenues and profitability, the Group's ability to realize its collaboration projects in a timely manner, and the Group's ability to recruit and retain key employees. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release. Straumann is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This release is not to be construed as a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other related financial instruments.