ROCK HILL, SC –December 1, 2008 - HARTMANN-CONCO Inc., US division of global
manufacturer PAUL HARTMANN AG, announced today the acquisition of Indiana-based
Whitestone Corp. Operations will continue in both South Carolina and Indiana locations.
The combined company will offer Incontinence Management products in addition to the
current US portfolio of Compression and Fixation Bandages, Traditional Wound
Management and Advanced Wound Management products. PAUL HARTMANN AG,
headquartered in Heidenheim, Germany, is a worldwide leader in Wound Management,
Incontinence Management and Risk Prevention products in the Operating Room.
Whitestone Corp. was founded in 1949 near the Whitestone Bridge in New York City.
Today it is centrally located in Bloomington, Indiana, and focuses on disposable adult
incontinence management products. Whitestone believes in empowerment and dignity
for those dealing with incontinence, and develops the highest level of protection, comfort
and value in their products to improve patient and caregiver lives. Whitestone markets
several brand names including Dignity® and UltraShield® Plus. For more information,
visit their Web site http://www.whitestonecorp.com.
HARTMANN-CONCO Inc. leverages nearly two centuries of expertise and global
resources to design, develop and distribute quality bandages, wound management and
other products that support healthcare professionals in their delivery of cost-efficient and
clinically-effective care in the areas of: Acute Care, Long-Term Care, Primary Care,
Home Care, Sports Medicine, School Health, Industrial Health and Safety, Retail
Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine. HARTMANN-CONCO is committed to working in
partnership with customers to enhance the care of patients, and to provide solutions
through education and information regarding the most appropriate products for the most
challenging conditions. A strong reputation for superior customer service has resulted in
long-term relationships with distributors and providers across the country and
internationally. HARTMANN-CONCO markets the following brand names among many
others: PermaFoam®, Sterilux®, Omnifix®, Deluxe® LF, EZe-Band® LF and Medi-Rip®.
For more information, visit their Web site http://www.hartmann-conco.com.
The acquisition of Whitestone Corp. enables the US subsidiaries of PAUL HARTMANN
AG to provide broader and more diverse product ranges across the continuum of care.
The quality and value of Whitestone Corp. products complement HARTMANN-CONCO
Inc. exceptionally well, and both companies’ customers will benefit from the expanded
product lines openly available to them. Knowledge, Value and Service are key drivers for
both companies and will continue to guide expansion and product additions. Synergies in
company culture, philosophy and mission provide a strong US foundation. Whitestone
Corp. brands added to the US portfolio include Dignity®, UltraShield® Plus and
Compose®. John Gilbert will continue as President and CEO of the US-based
subsidiaries.
About PAUL HARTMANN AG:
PAUL HARTMANN AG is the parent company of the HARTMANN GROUP which
operates internationally in the field of medical and hygiene products. HARTMANN offers
innovative solutions which consist of user-friendly products and customized services to
enhance patient well-being and support healthcare professionals in providing costefficient
and clinically-effective care. The core of the product portfolio under the
HARTMANN brand consists of professional system solutions in the fields of Wound
Management, Incontinence Management and Risk Prevention in the Operating Room.
HARTMANN is headquartered in Heidenheim, Germany and employs over 9,100
worldwide, achieving sales revenues of €1.281 billion (2007). HARTMANN is
represented by its subsidiary companies in 37 countries. PAUL HARTMANN AG is the
global manufacturer of Molicare® brand Incontinence Management products. For more
information about PAUL HARTMANN AG, please visit their international Web site
http://en.hartmann.info/.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within in the US Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are based on information
and expectations available to HARTMANN-CONCO as of the date hereof, and are subject to a
number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to: risks associated with
product development, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competition within
the market, company business strategy, successful integration of acquisitions, restructuring and
realignment activities, growth and otherwise unplanned events. HARTMANN-CONCO
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new
information, future events or other factors. Many factors that will determine the outcome of the
subject matter of this press release are beyond HARTMANN-CONCO’s ability to control or
predict. Actual results of the subject matter may differ. All written or oral forward-looking
statements attributable to HARTMANN-CONCO or any person acting on behalf of HARTMANNCONCO
are expressly qualified in their entirety by the preceding.