CHARLOTTE, NC & BENSHEIM, GERMANY - DATELINE, 2003 - Sirona Dental Systems, the world's only full-line dental equipment manufacturer, has expanded its operations with the acquisition of Advanced Technology Research s.r.l. (ATR) in Pistoia, Italy. ATR is the market leader for specialized motors used in endodontics and implantology.
"Acquiring ATR is a significant step forward in achieving a leadership role in the rapidly growing field of endodontics, which we entered this spring with the introduction of our special contra-angle handpiece SIRONiti," said Michael Augins, President of Sirona Dental Systems, LLC. "We are especially interested in ATR for their close international ties with world renown university professors and opinion leaders, and for the patents which have resulted from their work. Joining forces with ATR will provide our customers in the US and internationally with high caliber endodontic technology that complements the innovative dental equipment already available from Sirona."
ATR's revenues exceed $6 million annually. Davide Fazione, formerly a partner at the Italian KPMG, will head the new ATR in Pistoia. ATR's founders and current business leaders will remain closely tied with the company. Sirona is optimistic that the new venture will create opportunity for double-digit growth.
"We support dentists by offering them innovative products designed for an optimum of patient orientation, practice development and economic growth," said Jost Fischer, Chairman of Sirona Dental Systems, GmbH. "With the purchase of ATR, we have shown that we are able to look beyond our internal innovative capabilities and products to find the best solutions for our customers. This new acquisition not only expands Sirona's portfolio of world class dental solutions, but also sets the stage for future success in endontics - a promising market sector."
About Sirona Dental Systems
Recognized today as one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality dental equipment and technologies, Sirona (formerly Siemens Dental Systems) has served equipment dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 125 years. Sirona manufactures a complete line of dental products, including
the CEREC CAD/CAM restoration equipment, digital and film-based intraoral, panoramic and cephalometric X-ray imaging systems, dental treatment centers and handpieces. Sirona is committed to creating and supporting the most advanced dental technologies in the marketplace. Sirona's worldwide headquarters is located in Bensheim, Germany, with U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. www.sirona.com
