DePuy Spine, Inc., Completes Acquisition of Link Spine Group, Inc.
Raynham, MA (June 3, 2003) – DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson
company, said today it has completed its acquisition of Link Spine Group, Inc.,
a privately owned corporation based in Branford, CT. The transaction was announced
on May 6, 2003.
The acquisition will provide DePuy Spine with exclusive worldwide rights to
the SB CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc, the principal product of Link Spine
Group.
DePuy Spine partners with leading clinicians, researchers and thought leaders
to develop products to treat spinal disorders. Today, it stands in the forefront
of the worldwide spine market, with a substantial sales organization in the United
States and a growing worldwide distribution network. The company is committed
to advancing the knowledge of all health care professionals and their patients
in addressing spinal pathologies.
Johnson & Johnson, with approximately 108,300 employees, is the world's most
comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well
as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical
device and diagnostics markets. Johnson & Johnson has more than 200 operating
companies in 54 countries around the world, selling products in more than 175
countries.
(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are
based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could
vary materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties
include general industry conditions and competition; economic conditions, such
as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances
and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign health care reforms
and governmental laws and regulations; and trends toward health care cost containment.
A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors
can be found in Exhibit 99(b) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002. Copies of this Form 10-K are available
online at www.sec.gov or on request from the Company. The Company assumes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information
or future events or developments.)
