Ellman International Launches Multi-stage Growth Plan With Acquisition Of Sandstone Medical Technologies

OCEANSIDE, N.Y., July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellman International, Inc., a global leader in advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology for precision surgical and aesthetic procedures  today announced that it has acquired the assets of Sandstone Medical Technologies, LLC., a recognized leader in the aesthetic laser and IPL technology field. The transaction significantly enhances Ellman's presence in the aesthetic market with laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) technologies and merges Sandstone's line of affordable laser systems with Ellman's aesthetic and surgical RF product portfolio. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Sandstone is an ideal fit to further the growth of our franchise. We have complementary businesses that focus on delivering physicians high quality, value based products and we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on this $1.8 billion and growing global market opportunity," commented Frank D'Amelio, CEO of Ellman International. He continued, "We have experienced double digit growth over the past several years due to the success of both Pelleve and our RF surgical generators.  We expect this acquisition to accelerate our growth and penetration of the aesthetic market."

Sandstone's high quality yet affordable laser and IPL portfolio fulfills a largely unmet market need for value based products at a price under $50,000 - the largest segment of the addressable market.  The Sandstone line consists of four multifunctional products:

• Cortex a laser combining CO2 and Erbium YAG,  the 2 industry standards for deep skin resurfacing and superficial rejuvenation
• Tri-Lase Q-Switched Nd:YAG & Erbium YAG Laser for treatment of tattoos and pigmented lesions as well as superficial skin rejuvenation
• Apex IPL & Erbium YAG Laser for hair reduction, acne, vascular and pigmented lesions and skin rejuvenation
• Cheveux Diode Laser for permanent hair reduction

Sandstone's founder and President, Mark Rohrer, has joined the Ellman management team as Executive Vice President, Aesthetics.  "The combination of Sandstone's products with Ellman's strong domestic sales and marketing team and extensive international distribution network will be great for the customers that Ellman is targeting," commented Rohrer.

"The Sandstone acquisition is an attractive investment opportunity as it positions Ellman to lead the value priced laser market segment and broadens the company's product offering across their global distribution network," said Gordon Pan, Partner and Chairman at Baird Capital Partners. "The addition of the Sandstone products supports Ellman's long term growth strategy."

D'Amelio further commented, "We are unique in our new position in the market with a product offering that no other company can rival - non-invasive skin tightening with the Pelleve Wrinkle Reduction System, the surgical capabilities of our RF Surgical Systems and now the multiple applications of the Sandstone line of lasers and IPL.  This is a very exciting time for Ellman and this is only the first of a multi-stage growth strategy."

About Ellman International, Inc.
Ellman International is a manufacturer of surgical devices and non-invasive aesthetic devices used to perform medical, aesthetic, dental and veterinary procedures in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia.  Ellman's product portfolio enables medical professionals to perform surgical procedures that produce less tissue damage, scarring and pain than the competition. The company is a leader in the use of radiofrequency generators for surgical and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, including Pelleve, a patented, painless procedure for skin tightening.  Pelleve precisely delivers energy to the dermal tissue using advanced radiofrequency technology to induce collagen contraction without damaging the epidermis. The result is skin tightening and contouring with a noticeable improvement in skin quality and texture. Ellman is primarily owned by Baird Capital Partners, Chicago, IL.  For more information, visit www.ellman.com and www.pelleve.com.

About Baird Capital Partners
Baird Capital Partners, the U.S.-based buyout fund of Baird Private Equity, invests in lower middle-market companies in the business services, manufactured products and healthcare sectors. Established in 1989, Baird Capital Partners leverages its deep sector knowledge, experienced investment team and extensive operating resources to drive value in its portfolio companies. Baird Capital Partners is supported by operating resources in Asia focused on facilitating and executing sourcing, manufacturing and distribution strategies for its portfolio companies. Baird Private Equity is the global private equity group of Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird). For more information, please visit www.bairdcapitalpartners.com.

About Sandstone Medical Technologies
Founded in 2000, Sandstone Medical Technologies is a leading provider of laser and intense pulsed laser (IPL) systems. For more information visit www.sandstonemedicaltechnologies.com.  

For additional information, contact:
Kirsten Doerfert
Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
Ellman International
516-267-6767
[email protected]

Melissa Kelz
[email protected]  
Patty Mathews
[email protected]  
Kelz PR 

SOURCE Ellman International, Inc.