Sybill Storz Receives Prix Veuve Clicquot Award as Businesswoman of the Year in Germany; Honor Bestowed by World-Famous Champagne Producer for Major Business Accomplishments

Business Wire, March 17, 2005

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. (KSEA), a global leader in endoscopy and medical video imaging systems, is pleased to announce that in Munich on March 1, 2005, Mrs. Sybill Storz was awarded the Prix Veuve Clicquot in Germany. Mrs. Storz was selected to receive the honor by a select panel of jurors who considered her considerable record of entrepreneurship and success as CEO of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG.

The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is a prestigious title awarded each year by the renowned champagne producer Maison Veuve Clicquot to recognize the achievements of leading businesswomen in 16 different countries. The award was created in 1972 to honor the spirit of Nicole Clicquot, who took over her husband's company in 1805 after he passed away. She is noted for having led the business with a willingness to take risks, a desire for creativity and joy in innovation, and laid the foundation for today's success. The award is presented to women who participate successfully in the world of business and display the dynamic qualities and business acumen that were characteristic of Nicole Clicquot.

This year's award was presented to Mrs. Storz by Cecile Bonnefond, the first female president of Maison Veuve Clicquot since the widow Clicquot. The eldest daughter of founder Karl Storz, Sybill Storz began working at her father's company when she was 19, becoming particularly active in marketing and distribution, which were considered emerging areas of the business at the time. She assumed the leadership role of the family-owned company in 1996 and has made it a respected market leader in the manufacture of high-quality medical devices.

The jury tasked with selecting this year's recipient noted that Mrs. Storz is "living proof that successful entrepreneurship does not necessarily mean submitting to the short-lived laws of the international stock exchange." The jurors, in fact, emphasized the example that she has set in assuming responsibility for both the social and scientific aspects of her company. They also noted that she has been very competitive in markets like the United States and in developing countries. Commenting on this aspect of her business style, Mrs. Storz said, "I always think without borders."

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. is an affiliate of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for almost 60 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit the company's Web site at www.karlstorz.com.