| Novadaq Acquires Edwards Lifesciences' Exclusive Distribution Rights for PLC's Heart Laser System for TMR |
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Toronto, Ontario – March 21, 2007 Novadaq® Technologies
Inc. (TSX: NDQ), a developer of real-time medical imaging systems and image
guided therapies for the operating room, announced today that its wholly-owned
U.S. subsidiary, Novadaq Corp., has agreed with Edwards Lifesciences LLC
to acquire Edwards’ exclusive distribution rights to PLC Medical System
Inc.’s HEART LASER™ SYSTEM for transmyocardial revascularization
(TMR) in the United States. Novadaq will begin marketing the system immediately. “Novadaq’s strong commitment to quality products and customer education will ensure that our cardiac surgeon customers will continue to receive the high level of service and support they have come to expect,” said Rick Bleil, Vice President, General Manager, Cardiac Surgery Systems, Edwards Lifesciences. “Today, we are taking a major step for our TMR business by naming a new partner in Novadaq,” said Mark R. Tauscher, President and Chief Executive Officer of PLC Systems, Inc. “We, and Novadaq, see strong synergistic opportunities for our TMR product line used in real-time in conjunction with Novadaq’s SPYÒ Intra-operative Imaging System, for which Novadaq recently built a direct US sales team that targets the same end user as we do, the cardiac surgeon. We appreciate the support of Edwards throughout the launch and building of our TMR business, and we are fortunate to find a new and able partner in Novadaq to make this a seamless transition for our growing customer base.” For the exclusive United States distribution rights, Novadaq will pay Edwards cash consideration in the amount of $1 million USD at closing, an earn-out for the balance of 2007 which is estimated to be $3 million USD and a final payment of $3 million USD which is deferred under a one-year secured promissory note. Novadaq will also purchase Edwards’ inventory and certain property used in its distribution of TMR at Edwards' net book value. In 2006, revenues for Edwards’ TMR product line were approximately $12 million USD at gross margin of approximately 50%. Edwards has committed to assist in transitioning the TMR distribution to Novadaq. Concurrently with the Edwards transaction, Novadaq is entering into an amended and restated distribution agreement with PLC.
Conference Call About Novadaq TechnologiesNovadaq Technologies Inc. (TSX: NDQ) develops and commercializes medical imaging systems and real-time image guided therapies for use in the operating room. Novadaq’s proprietary imaging platform can be used to visualize blood vessels, nerves and the lymphatic system during surgical procedures. Novadaq’s SPY® Intra-operative Imaging System, commercially available worldwide, enables cardiac surgeons to visually assess coronary vasculature and bypass graft functionality during the course of open-heart surgery. Novadaq’s OPTTX® System which received CE Mark approval in November 2006, is aimed at the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by using the same core imaging technology that is used in the SPY System. The HELIOS™ System, which received FDA clearance in January 2007, is the first fluorescent imaging system available for use during plastic reconstructive surgery allowing surgeons to evaluate pre- and intra-operative blood flow, as well as post-surgery perfusion. Novadaq’s LUNA™ system is designed to enable surgeons to visualize nerve bundles during the course of urological and neurological procedures. LUNA has been granted a license for use by Health Canada. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.novadaq.com. Certain statements included in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on Novadaq's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Novadaq and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by Novadaq in its public securities filings; actual events may differ materially from current expectations. Novadaq disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information visit our website at www.novadaq.com, or contact:
Arun Menawat, PhD, MBA |
