ICU Medical Inc. announces award of exclusive European distribution rights to Ohmeda

Business Wire, Dec 20, 1996

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 1996--ICU Medical Inc. (NASDAQ NMS:ICUI), a leading developer and manufacturer of safe medical connectors, based in San Clemente, on Friday announced an agreement to award exclusive European distribution rights to Ohmeda, the healthcare business of The BOC Group.

The agreement enables ICU Medical to introduce the CLAVE Connector to most of the European market through a company that already has a commanding presence in that area. It provides for initial distribution in the United Kingdom, France and the Benelux countries, with expansion into Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, Austria and Switzerland.

"Europe represents a significant growth market for us," said George Lopez, M.D., the founder and president of ICU Medical. "Ohmeda is a strong, customer-driven company with an excellent reputation and a very effective sales organization in Europe. We think this will be a very beneficial partnership for ICU, for Ohmeda and for our mutual customers."

Test-marketing has been successfully completed, and full launch of distribution is in progress. ICU Medical made its first shipments under the contract in the third quarter of 1996, and management expects to report increased international sales in 1997.

CONTACT: Francis J. O'Brien

Chief Financial Officer

ICU Medical Inc.

714/366-2183