Astra Tech Acquires an Innovative Dental CAD/CAM Company

    WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Swedish medical technology
 company Astra Tech AB, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, is purchasing the US
 dental company Atlantis Components Inc. for USD 71 million in cash. This
 business deal is part of Astra Tech's growth strategy.
     "The purchase of Atlantis gives us an even stronger product portfolio
 in the field of dental implants. We strengthen our position in the North
 American market and can introduce the latest digital CAD/CAM(1) technology
 in Europe. This also gives us a leading position in the fastest growing
 segment in the field of implants," says Astra Tech's President and CEO,
 Peter Selley.
     In the past few years, Astra Tech has grown at a rate of over 40
 percent a year while the global market for dental implants has shown a
 growth rate of 20 percent. "Our objective is to be one of the three largest
 dental implant companies within the next three years," Peter Selley
 continues.
     For the past ten years, Atlantis Components Inc. has developed a
 patented method for digitally producing "abutments." Using the latest
 CAD/CAM1 technology, individually adapted abutments are produced for each
 patient. As opposed to standard abutments,
     Atlantis' technology is built around a unique method that is based on
 the appearance of the final tooth. The end result is optimized individual
 esthetics and long-term reliability. For the clinician and patient this
 technology means reduced chair time since the precision of the abutments
 eliminates the need for the dentist to make further adjustments. Atlantis'
 method makes it possible to fabricate individual abutments for most of the
 major implant systems on the market. The technology also allows for
 increased efficiency and profitability for the dental laboratory.
     Atlantis Components Inc. is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has
 100 employees. The company has had very positive growth in recent years and
 now has a market-leading position in its segment. Sales in 2008 are
 expected to reach USD 25 million.
     "Astra Tech with its focus on research and its global sales
 organization is the perfect owner for Atlantis as it offers the ideal
 environment within which to further develop Atlantis' unique technology as
 well as grow the business," says Bob Stockard, CEO, Atlantis.
     Operations will be integrated within Astra Tech's North American
 headquarter in Waltham, Massachusetts. The North American market represents
 approximately one third of the world market, and is Astra Tech's most
 important one. It is currently one of the fastest growing markets for the
 Astra Tech Group.
     "The two companies complement each other perfectly. Through the
 acquisition of Atlantis, we can offer all dentists working with implants an
 optimal solution, in terms of both esthetics and function," says Scott
 Root, President and CEO, Astra Tech Inc., North America.
     "We will develop a Center of Excellence in the US for esthetics, based
 on Atlantis' unique know-how and technology in order to offer advanced
 innovative digital dentistry solutions," says Peter Selley.
     In 2008, Astra Tech will begin producing Atlantis' CAD/CAM abutments
 for the European market at its headquarters in Molndal, Sweden. The launch
 and sales in Europe will be handled by Astra Tech's existing sales
 organization.
     As recently as June of this year, Astra Tech opened a new training
 center at its headquarters in Molndal, where dental professionals from all
 over the world are invited there to study the latest implant technology.
     Astra Tech, a subsidiary of the AstraZeneca Group, develops,
 manufactures, and markets dental implants and advanced disposable medical
 equipment for the healthcare sector. The company develops products that
 lead to improved treatment results, simplified work for healthcare
 personnel, and which contribute to reducing healthcare costs.
     Astra Tech's headquarters and production facilities are located in
 Molndal, Sweden. The company is represented globally by 16 subsidiaries and
 selected local partners. Astra Tech has a total of 1,900 employees
 worldwide. The company puts 5 percent of its revenues annually into
 research. Astra Tech's revenues in 2006 totaled SEK 2.7 billion.
     Astra Tech's North American subsidiary is headquartered out of Waltham,
 Massachusetts, and urology operations are centered in Torrance, California.
 Since 2004, the North American subsidiary has grown from 60 to over 200
 employees.
     Images for free publication can be downloaded from www.astratech.com
     (1) CAD=Computer-Aided Design CAM=Computer-Aided Manufacturing
 
 

SOURCE Astra Tech