Dental News Roundup September 2011
BY LAUREN UZDIENSKI, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
Funding
Nobel Biocare launched a CHF-denominated domestic straight bond issue in the aggregate principal amount of CHF120.0 million ($133.7 million) with a coupon of 4%, due 10 October 2016. The company will use the proceeds to partially refinance the outstanding convertible bond, which becomes due in November 2011. Nobel Biocare calls this bond issue "a particular success given the current, highly volatile market environment."
Straumann announced that it was considering purchasing its own shares worth a maximum of CHF100.0 million ($111.4 million). The purchase volume, based on the closing price of Straumann's registered shares on 15 August 2011, is equal to up to 613,496 registered shares, each with a nominal value of CHF0.10, or to 3.91% of Straumann's share capital and voting rights. The shares will be purchased on the open market, and no separate trading line will be opened for the execution of this plan. The shares will be purchased between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 at the latest.
Product Introduction & Update
Astra Tech launched the Atlantis 3D Editor, a new service offered in its internet-based Atlantis WebOrder system. According to the press release, Atlantis 3D Editor provides customers with the possibility to make real-time modifications, such as core, margin and shoulder adjustments, to their Atlantis Abutment designs.
Biomet 3i announced new branding under the name BellaTek for some of the products in its restorative portfolio. These products will be offered through nonexclusive collaborations with digital dentistry companies, including 3M ESPE, 3Shape and Align Technologies (iTero). The portfolio includes the BellaTek Encode impression system, BellaTek laboratory-designed abutments and BellaTek copings and frameworks. Further, the company expanded its regenerative portfolio with the OsseoGuard Flex membrane, a resorbable collagen membrane derived from purified type I and type III bovine dermis collagen.
Biomet 3i also announced this month the launch of an app for the iPad and iPhone, Android and Blackberry smartphones. The app has two portals, one for clinicians and one for patients, with the clinical portal linking to a library, research papers and online ordering.
Sirona announced that deliveries of its new SINIUS treatment center will begin in October. The SINIUS is designed to offer "efficiency and flexibility," with features including a built-in endodontic treatment system that "eliminates the time-consuming preparation of separate tabletop units."
Operations
Align Technology announced plans to consolidate its CAD/CAM services and scanner-related activities based in Carlstadt, New Jersey with its existing manufacturing and shared services organizations in San Jose, Costa Rica and Juarez, Mexico. Accounting and finance functions will be consolidated with those in Align's corporate headquarters in San Jose, California. All existing scanner research and development and manufacturing operations will remain in Or Yehuda, Israel. The New Jersey facility will close by 3Q:12, and the consolidation is expected to "optimize efficiency, consolidate customer-facing functions and reduce operating costs."
Appointments
Straumann appointed Andy Molnar as Regional Head North America, based in Andover, Massachusetts. The appointment is effective 1 January 2012. Mr. Molnar has been with Straumann for almost six years and has held senior management roles in global sales and country management.
