Nobel Biocare to Join Danaher Dental Platform

-- World leader in innovative implant-based dental restorations will be a cornerstone of Danaher's global dental business

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive transaction agreement to acquire Nobel Biocare Holding AG, the world leader in implant dentistry. Over the past 40 years, Nobel Biocare has established itself as a pioneer in nearly every aspect of implant dentistry — from PI Branemark's discovery of osseointegration, to Procera digital prosthetic solutions and treating fully edentulous patients. In doing so, Nobel Biocare has dramatically changed the lives of millions of patients. Implants and prosthetics are one of the most exciting categories in dentistry today, offering a unique opportunity for dental professionals to deliver long-term solutions to women and men who desire a smile that is both beautiful and functional. With the ways in which technology and materials science continue to shape the implant dentistry workflow, bringing Nobel Biocare to the dental platform upholds Danaher's commitment to be a world leader in dentistry.

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Nobel Biocare will be a cornerstone of the dental platform. With the addition of Nobel Biocare, Danaher will be the strongest consumable and equipment player in the dental industry, with sales approaching $3 billion. Dental implants is a $3.5 billion market with attractive long term growth drivers, including an aging population, growing income in high growth markets and low penetration rates of dental implants in most geographies today. With this acquisition, Danaher will have an unmatched position in dental implants with Nobel Biocare in the premium segment and the Implant Direct joint venture in the value segment; the company plans to further invest in both these segments. Nobel Biocare will operate as a stand-alone company within Danaher's dental platform, maintaining its own brand and identity. Implant Direct will remain as a stand-alone joint venture with no change in its go to market strategy.

"We will continue to invest in a wide range of dental technologies and innovations to better serve our customers. Bringing Nobel Biocare's deep expertise in implant dentistry, digital prosthetics and software solutions together with our extensive knowledge in 3D imaging, intraoral scanning and digital restorative solutions will further enable us to optimize and integrate workflows. This will lead to better clinical outcomes, shorter treatment times and fewer office visits to the benefit of patients and dental practitioners," said Henk van Duijnhoven, Senior Vice President of Danaher's dental platform. "This combination will further support our business strategy and position our dental business for future growth."

Danaher's dental platform reaches 99% of all dental practices through an extensive network of dealer partners as well as direct sales. It will continue its strategy of working closely with its highly valued distribution partners as well as direct sales to maximize market access for all its brands.

"Nobel Biocare's leadership team has done an outstanding job creating a strong platform for future growth over the last couple of years," van Duijnhoven added. "Our team is excited to work with CEO Richard Laube and the Nobel Biocare team to build on their efforts toward continued innovation, growth and business improvement. We look forward to welcoming all Nobel Biocare's associates, customers and key opinion leaders to the Danaher team."

About the Danaher Dental Platform:
The Danaher Dental Platform is a global portfolio of leading dental brands that share common values of Trust, Experience, Choices, Quality and Smart Innovation. Brands include KaVo, Kerr, Kerr Total Care, Pentron, Axis|Sybron Endo, Orascoptic, Pelton & Crane, Marus, Gendex, DEXIS, Instrumentarium, SOREDEX, i-CAT, NOMAD, DUX Dental and Ormco. With over 500 years of combined experience and proven solutions, Danaher's dental platform uniquely serves 99% of all dental practices. Visit www.kavokerrgroup.com for more information.

Contact:
Thais Carter, Public Relations
+1 (312) 399-0953
Thais.Carter@kavokerrgroup.com