Japan Lifeline to distribute Sorin cardiac devices in Japan

4 July 2007

Milan, Italy & Tokyo. Sorin (MIL:SRN) has signed a ten-year partnership agreement with Japan Lifeline (JLL), a leading distributor of medical devices in Japan, whereby JLL will distribute Sorin’s cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices throughout Japan.

In the agreement, over two hundred sales people, from both companies will distribute Sorin’s CRM devices. JLL already distributes the Sorin Group’s Carbomedics-brand heart valves in Japan. The new partnership agreement will become effective on September 1, 2007.

The partnership comes at a time when Sorin has just received approval for its family of Ovatio ICD devices in Japan. The agreement is expected to boost significantly Sorin’s market share in that country.

In 2006, Japan posted over 50,000 pacemaker and more than 3,500 defibrillator implants for a total value in excess of €360 million.

“We are certain that JLL is the perfect partner to help us in growing market share in Japan,” said André-Michel Ballester, President of Sorin’s Cardiac Rhythm Management Business Unit. “Our innovative product line and JLL’s wide-reaching distribution network are the perfect combination for success in this market. Our new partnership will provide significant benefits for both parties as well as for our customers and patients.”

“With over 25 years of experience, JLL has provided the newest and best medical devices to our client base,” said Keisuke Suzuki, CEO of Japan Lifeline Co., Ltd.

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