SureQuest Systems, Inc. Restates Benefits From Achieve Healthcare's Acquisition of Life Cycles Software from PharMerica

Business Wire, Sept 27, 1999

DALLAS--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 27, 1999--

SureQuest Systems, Inc. (OTC BB:DIET), a Nevada Corporation, today announced that as a Certified Achieve Partner (CAP) providing the dietary and nutritional component to Achieve's PathLinks(R) clinical and financial software solution, the Company should benefit significantly by Achieve's recent acquisition of the Life Cycles software from PharMerica, a subsidiary of Bergen Brunswig Corporation, (NYSE:BBC).

"This acquisition could add up to approximately 5,000 more long term care and post acute care facilities to which SureQuest can market its dietary software," stated CEO of the institutional dietary division John Nicholson. "We are obviously very pleased with this new development and what it means to all of us as both companies work to become leaders in software solutions to the long term care industry."

In a press release made September 7, 1999, on Business Wire titled "Achieve Healthcare Information Systems Acquires Life Cycles Software from PharMerica," the following was announced:

Achieve Healthcare Information Systems, a leading provider of information solutions to the long-term care industry, and PharMerica, Inc., a subsidiary of Bergen Brunswig Corporation (NYSE: BBC) announced today that Achieve has acquired PharMerica's Life Cycles software group. In addition, the companies also announced the formation of a strategic alliance to jointly market Achieve's PathLinks software products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. PathLinks and LifeCycles provide clinical and financial software to long-term care nursing facilities nationwide.

"The agreement integrates two of the leading providers of clinical and financial software in the long-term care industry," said Charles Carpenter, PharMerica's president and chief executive officer. "It gives Achieve a greater market presence and immediate access to thousands of PharMerica's long term care customers. The deal provides PharMerica with a strategic marketing and distribution relationship with the proven leader in long-term care software."

"The strategic alliance will enable PharMerica to immediately sell Achieve PathLinks software to its existing and prospective customers," said Larry Garatoni, president and chief executive officer of Achieve. "Life Cycles software will be incorporated into Achieve's product family. Life Cycles' customers can elect to continue using LifeStory, Pursuit CM and other Life Cycles products until the end of 2000." Achieve and PharMerica will maintain the Life Cycles products while still in use by existing customers. Additionally, the two companies agreed to create web-based products and services for PharMerica pharmacies to long-term care customers through Achieve's Ancillary Link(TM) software. PharMerica pharmacies will be directly connected to their long-term care customer facilities allowing on-line transactions and timely exchange of order/delivery details and sharing of vital health care information and data. New products and services will be available by the summer of 2000.

"As we continue to upgrade our service offerings, PharMerica will partner with technology providers that create efficiencies in delivery and service and provide access to the most advanced products available," Carpenter added. "And we are looking to leading-edge technology companies that supply distribution and e-business opportunities to help us position PharMerica as a leader in long-term care pharmacy. PharMerica's strategic partnership with Achieve is the first step in our renewed efforts to bring added value to facilities we service today and provides a key differentiator for us when looking for new customers."

"The real winner in this alliance is the long-term care provider," stated Garatoni. "Today, providers are under tremendous pressure from government-imposed regulations, stiff reimbursement guidelines, a limited, shrinking skilled labor pool and continuing litigation. To be successful, providers don't need another information system -- they need a total integration solution and strong strategic partners that understand their challenges and are committed to provide needed solutions.

"The alliance marks another important step in Achieve's total integration solution strategy to develop long-term, proactive relationships with leading providers of products and services to the post-acute care industry."

Achieve Healthcare Information Systems, a privately held company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, serves more than 3,500 clients throughout North America as a leading provider of clinical and financial information systems to subacute units, long term care facilities, assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities.

PharMerica, Inc. is a leading provider of pharmacy products and services to approximately 500,000 patients in skilled nursing facilities; assisted living facilities; residential and independent living communities; specialty hospitals; and the home setting. Bergen Brunswig Corporation, headquartered in Orange County, California, is a leading supplier of pharmaceuticals, medical-surgical supplies and specialty healthcare products as well as information management solutions and consulting services. Bergen's customers include the nation's healthcare providers (hospitals, nursing homes, physicians and drug stores), manufacturers and patients. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides product distribution; logistics; pharmacy management programs; and Internet fulfillment strategies designed to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes across the entire healthcare spectrum.