GRANDVILLE, Michigan – X-Rite, Incorporated (Nasdaq:XRIT) today announced that it has signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSIC). The agreement covers X-Rite's dental vision system, marketed under the trade name ShadeVision™. X-Rite announced earlier this year that it is expanding into the dental market with a significant technological advance in restorative tooth shade matching.In the past, dentists and lab technicians have relied on the subjectivity of the human eye to determine tooth shade in restorative work. X-Rite's ShadeVision System enables the dentist to easily capture the precise color image and accurate colormetric data of the patient's teeth and communicate it to the dental laboratory to make a matching prosthesis. This vision system improves patient care by replacing the subjective selection of tooth color with a precise measurement.
"We are very pleased to be the exclusive distributor of a new, breakthrough product that offers dentists an opportunity to improve the vital communication between their office and the dental laboratory," said Jim Breslawski, president of Sullivan-Schein Dental. "Dental professionals have long sought an accurate method of measuring and communicating the color and appearance of teeth. X-Rite's ShadeVision System offers a high technology product that is not only easy to use, accurate and reliable, but is also cost effective. We look forward to working with X-Rite, an exciting and innovative leader in the world of color measurement. "
Henry Schein will market the ShadeVision System through the national sales force of its full-service U.S. Dental business, Sullivan-Schein Dental; and Zahn Dental, the Company's laboratory supply business.
Michael C. Ferrara, president, X-Rite, Incorporated added, "The ShadeVision System offers dentists and laboratories the perfect partnership - improved patient care and cost reduction. We are excited about our new relationship with Henry Schein, the clear market leader in the dental industry. X-Rite will use the combined expertise and determination of our two great companies to market and sell this exciting dental vision system to dental practitioners and dental laboratories around the world."
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, the Company serves more than 400,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions.
Sullivan-Schein Dental is the company's full-service U.S. Dental business with over 700 field sales consultants and a network of nearly 70 equipment sales and service centers. Zahn Dental is a leader in its industry, providing the company's laboratory customers with products and services for more than 60 years.
More information is available at: www.henryschein.com.
About X-Rite, Incorporated
X-Rite, Incorporated is a world-leader in producing precision measurement devices, systems, and processes that enhance the measurement of color, light and shape. Many large, multi-national firms use X-Rite's products and services for a variety of applications in areas as diverse as digital imaging, printing, coatings, biomedical diagnostics, telecom and electronics. Sales and service offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas support the Company's North American and European manufacturing, research & development facilities.
For more information, contact X-Rite, Incorporated: 3100 44th Street, S.W., Grandville, Mich., 49418, USA; Telephone (616) 534-7663; Fax (616) 534-9215; Website: www.x-rite.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, due to a variety of factors, some of which may be beyond the control of the Company. Factors that could cause such differences include the Company's ability to improve operations and realize cost savings, competitive and general economic conditions, ability to access into new markets, and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
