Konica Minolta Acquires Sawae, Enhancing Digital X-ray Diagnostic Imaging Systems in Brazil

TOKYO, July 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) (Tokyo: 4902) today announced that it has acquired Sawae Technologica Ltda., an X-ray system equipment manufacturer based in Minas Gerais, Brazil, through its Brazilian healthcare sales company, Konica Minolta Healthcare do Brazil.

Local Brazil market investment and growth
With Brazil's increasing population exceeding 200 million, significant healthcare technical advancements and efficiencies are required. Aging and obsolete X-ray and other medical systems in the market need replacement. Through the acquisition, Konica Minolta will gain Sawae's strong market recognition with a nationwide sales network and local manufacturing capability to deliver high quality and price competitive X-ray solutions.

Konica Minolta will also enhance its sales of DR (Digital Radiography) and CR (Computed Radiography) as part of their Primary Imaging Solutions offering to grow the healthcare business in Brazil. With focus on Primary Imaging, the first look in imaging diagnostics, Konica Minolta can help clinicians make early decisions and help reduce healthcare costs by providing the necessary information to rule in or rule out disease.

Sawae
Founded in 1993, Sawae has been locally manufacturing and selling X-ray system equipment, primarily covering four major states in southwestern Brazil (Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia) and expanding nationwide. The company has been known for its high quality products with a widespread recognition in the market.

Konica Minolta Healthcare
Since 2011, Konica Minolta has been offering the AeroDR family of solutions, a wireless cassette-type digital X-ray system, enabling wireless transmission of diagnostic image data. The AeroDR family of solutions are simple, reliable and robust, with an excellent reputation among healthcare institutions as user-friendly, lightweight, high image quality and dose efficient.

In April 2015, Konica Minolta established its Brazilian subsidiary in Sao Paulo, affirming its commitment to the Brazilian healthcare market. The acquisition of Sawae further solidifies Konica Minolta's presence by enhancing its capability to provide solutions that specifically meet the needs of the Brazilian market; as a result, Konica Minolta will increase its position in diagnostic imaging by strengthening its offerings with the AeroDR and Sawae's combined X-ray systems solutions.

Going forward, under the brand proposition "Giving Shape to Ideas," Konica Minolta will accelerate solutions and meet the healthcare sector needs through the creation of new value.

Konica Minolta is a world class provider and market leader in medical diagnostic primary imaging. With over 75 years of endless innovation, Konica Minolta is globally recognized as a leader providing cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive support aimed at providing real solutions to meet customer's needs. For more information on Konica Minolta Primary Imaging Solutions, please visit www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa.

Contact:
Diane Hunt, Vice President of Marketing
Konica Minolta Medical Imaging
973-633-1500
www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa

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SOURCE Konica Minolta Medical Imaging