Zurich - 7 February 2008

Nobel Biocare announced today that it has agreed to acquire AlphaBioTec Ltd, the leading dental implant company in Israel and the innovator of the predecessor to NobelActive. Nobel Biocare will buy all outstanding shares in the company for a consideration of USD 95 million.

With this acquisition, Nobel Biocare will reinforce its leading position by gaining immediate access to some of the fastest-growing market segments in implant dentistry, such as orthodontic mini-screws and small diameter implants. At the same time, the company will gain a market leadership position in Israel and further expand its position in Russia, Poland and Latin America.

With a market share of more than 60 percent, AlphaBioTec is the leading dental implant company in Israel. AlphaBioTec products are also sold in more than 40 countries, and its export business has been growing at a pace in excess of 35 percent over the past several years. AlphaBioTec has achieved leading positions in high-growth countries in Eastern Europe, Russia and is expanding quickly in India, Korea and Latin America. AlphaBioTec has more than 20 years of experience in implant dentistry and is the innovator of NobelActive's predecessor product. Nobel Biocare's NobelActive is currently in pre-launch and is expected to be introduced to the market in the second quarter of this year.


Impiant Nobel Alpha


Nobel Biocare will obtain all rights to AlphaBioTec's trademark, brand names, innovation pipeline, strong R&D network and proprietary manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv. Nobel Biocare will retain all of AlphaBioTec's more than 120 employees. Ophir Fromovich, the current owner and CEO, will become Chairman of the Board of AlphaBioTec and act as an advisor to Nobel Biocare.

Domenico Scala, CEO of Nobel Biocare: "This acquisition expands Nobel Biocare's leading position by allowing us to enter new and fast-growing market segments. AlphaBioTec's leading position in Israel, its attractive pipeline and strong innovation skills with excellent people will complement our innovation capabilities."

Under the terms of the agreement, the acquisition will be paid in cash and existing Nobel Biocare shares. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008 and be accretive from the first year