Nordic Capital to acquire Swedish medical device company Atos Medical

Press release, March 8, 2005 Nordic Capital has signed an agreement to acquire the Swedish medical device company Atos Medical from Fisher Scientific International Inc. Atos Medical is a global leading company in rehabilitation products within the ear, nose and throat areas with revenues of SEK 260 million in 2004.

Atos Medical is headquartered in Hörby, Sweden, and has 180 employees. It is the world leader in providing devices designed to rehabilitate the voice and pulmonary functions after laryngectomy for the treatment of cancer. Atos Medical also provides other devices for the treatment of ear and sinus diseases. The company has five subsidiaries in Europe and one in the United States as well as an extensive network of distributors in some 50 countries. Atos Medical was founded in 1986 and has shown a consistent, dynamic and extensive development including a substantial growth over the last few years. Research and development is based on close contacts with clinicians and a deep understanding of patient needs. “Atos Medical is a well-run company with exciting possibilities for future growth and development,” says Toni Weitzberg, Partner, Nordic Capital. “Atos Medical is based on a high level of knowledge and its capabilities cover R&D, production, marketing and sales which assures a superior level of quality and customer service. As owners we will fully support the company. There is a clear potential for continued good organic growth and acquisitions of companies in the ear, nose and throat area, as well as building on expansion on geographical markets and the capability to launch new products.” “I see great opportunities for further development and expansion of Atos Medical,” says Tommy Hedberg, CEO, Atos Medical. “Nordic Capital has a successful track record and I am very confident in Nordic Capital’s commitment to support, invest and grow our company going forward. Together with Nordic Capital we will be able to focus on our business as an autonomous company for the first time in the history of Atos Medical.” For more information, please contact: Toni Weitzberg, Partner, Nordic Capital Tel: +46 (0)8-440 50 50 Tommy Hedberg, CEO, Atos Medical Tel: +46 (0)-415 198 00 Mobile: +46 (0)70 5 560 745 www.nordiccapital.com www.atosmedical.com Atos Medical is one of the leading manufacturers of ear, nose and throat medical devices. In line with fulfilling an accelerating demand for innovative products that improves the quality of life for patients and through a successful build up of an international, focused sales force the company has shown strong growth and good profitability. Nordic Capital is a leading private equity firm focusing on investments primarily in the Nordic middle-market arena. The firm has a strong investment track record, an extensive network of contacts and firsthand knowledge of local industries and business practices. Since its inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested in more than 60 Nordic based companiesoperating in a range of segments and sectors. Nordic Capital’s proven investment strategy creates value by actively implementing key value drivers such as new industrial combinations, strategic repositioning and internationalization. A range of leading Nordic and international institutions are investors in Nordic Capital funds.