HTRN Htetf (MM)

HealthTronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTRN), today announced that it acquired all of the patents and other intellectual property for the urological devices formerly manufactured by High Medical Technologies (HMT) of Lengwil, Switzerland. The acquisition ensures HealthTronics' exclusive ownership and control of the patents, trademarks and manufacturing rights pertaining to the LithoDiamond and LithoTron lithotripters and the patent-protected electrodes utilized by these devices. The acquisition gives HealthTronics flexibility to locate production in a cost-efficient environment and also enables market-specific modifications to the devices that can pave the way for greater sales opportunities in international markets. In January 2005, HMT filed for bankruptcy in Switzerland after HealthTronics (which then owned a minority of the economic interests in HMT) elected to discontinue future funding of HMT's operations with the goal of defining control of HMT's technology. Following the bankruptcy filing, HealthTronics acquired HMT's commercial bank debt at a substantial discount to become HMT's largest creditor. HealthTronics was able to acquire HMT's intellectual property at a favorable price that ensures a quick return of its invested capital and should enhance operating margins in its Medical Device Division. Christopher B. Schneider, President of HealthTronics' Medical Device Division, stated, "Our physician partners and customers drove our decision to acquire these technologies. Since January, we have seen continued strong global demand for new LithoDiamond systems and consumable electrodes for the existing installed base. Most importantly, our role as the leading provider of lithotripsy services and equipment in the United States was the key to our success in securing exclusive control of these technologies at a very attractive cost." About HealthTronics, Inc. HealthTronics provides healthcare services, primarily to the urology community, and manufactures medical devices as well as specialty vehicles used for the transport of high technology medical and broadcast & communications equipment. For more information, visit www.healthtronics.com. Statements by HealthTronics' management in this press release that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding plans, objective and future financial performance, are "forward-looking" statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although HealthTronics believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from HealthTronics' expectations include, among others, the existence of demand for and acceptance of HealthTronics' services, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, financing efforts and other factors described from time to time in HealthTronics' periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.