SOURCE: Medline Industries, Inc.

 

MUNDELEIN, IL--(Marketwire - November 6, 2008) - Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, announced today that it has acquired the Guardian North and South American walking aids and bath safety business from Sunrise Medical, a leading manufacturer of assistive technology devices.

"The acquisition of the Guardian line marks a significant step forward in the growth and value-added development of our Durable Medical Equipment division," said Dave Jacobs, president, Medline Durable Medical Equipment division. "Guardian has a long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in the healthcare industry and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to build on that tradition. In addition to bolstering our competitive position in the marketplace, the acquisition of this highly respected brand expands the range of products, services and value we can offer our customers."

Medline is one of the largest providers of durable medical equipment -- such as homecare beds, walking aids, bath safety, aids for daily living and bariatric products -- to the hospital, home care and long-term care industries. The Guardian brand acquisition broadens Medline's portfolio of mobility products, which currently includes crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes and bath safety products, which are distributed through drugstores, home centers, department stores and specialty retailers.

About Medline

Medline, headquartered in Mundelein, IL, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Total revenue for Medline in 2007 exceeded $2.86 billion. Meeting national and international quality standards, Medline is FDA QSR compliant and ISO 13485 certified. Medline serves on major industry quality committees to develop guidelines and standards for medical product use, including the FDA Midwest Steering Committee, AAMI Sterilization and Packaging Committee, and various ASTM committees. For more information on Medline, visit our Web site, www.medline.com.