Dental Tribune Indian Edition

22 Dental Tribune Indian Edition - January 2013 Daniel Zimmermann DTI BANGKOK, Thailand: In a recent acquisition spree, Henry Schein has bought a major share in dental pro- ducts provider Accord from Bangkok. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the Thai company is expected to add US$15 million in sales to Schein’s global dental bu- siness and expand its position in the growing Asian dental markets. In addition to its purchase of Ac- cord, the world’s largest supplier of medical and dental products has bou- ght Ortho Technologies, a provider of orthodontics supplies, to facilitate the growth of its orthodontics offering. In a third buy, Henry Schein also acqui- red medical laboratory service provi- der MLS in Bakersfield, California. The partial takeover of Thailand’s largest dental dealer may come as a surprise for some, as Henry Schein had earlier announced that it was pur- suing growth opportunities in Asia but mentioned expansion into India and China as its first priority. Chai- rman and CEO Stanley M. Bergman said in a statement that the latest ac- quisition of Accord will not only give his company the opportunity to esta- blish its presence in the fifth largest dental market in Asia, but also serve as an anchor for further expansion into South-East Asia. According to figures from the US Commercial Service in Bangkok, the heavily import-driven dental market in Thailand was estimated to be worth more than US$120 million in 2008. Run by the Charnsethikul family since 1976, Accord currently di- stributes dental products, including well-known brands from global ma- nufacturers like Shofu, Planmeca and the GC Corporation, to over 5,000 customers in Thailand. Through the acquisition, the family will still re- tain 25 per cent of its former business, while Henry Schein will hold the re- maining 75 per cent, both companies said last week. Henry Schein maintains other bu- siness operations in the Asia-Pacific region through affiliates and subsidia- ries in Australia (Henry Schein Ha- las) and New Zealand (Henry Schein Shalfoon). Since last year, the com- pany has also distributed its dental portfolio through Aniam Biomedical to customers in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China. Worldwide, Henry Schein operates in 26 markets with a focus on North America and Western Europe. Last year, the company reported record sales of US$8.5 billion through its medical, dental and veterinary busi- nesses.DT Schein Dental expands into Asia Dental equipment provider also buys US ortho and lab biz Business EAO celebrates successful anniversary event in Copenhagen 20th congress of the European Association for Osseointegration presented latest concepts and developments in implant dentistry DTI COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Cele- brating the achievements of implant dentistry in the last 20 years, thousan- ds of clinical specialists from Europe and around the globe recently gathe- red at the Bella Center exhibition and congress venue in the Danish capital for the annual scientific congress of the European Association for Osseo- integration (EAO). Following a suc- cessful event in Athens last year, the congress event more than 2,300 scientists and clinicians involved in implant and restorative dentistry over the course of four days. Besides an extensive scientific programme covering topics like ima- ging and factors of implant loss, the event saw a record number of com- panies exhibiting established clinical solutions and a number of new pro- ducts, including dental implants and sophisticated surgical equipment. Market leader Nobel Biocare, for example, had its new OsseoCare Pro drill motor, which can be operated entirely through Apple’s iPad tablet computer, on display. Italian manu- facturer mectron presented its multi- piezo pro device, which can be used for ultrasonic implant cleaning, in Copenhagen. New implant devices were exhibi- ted by MIS Implants, MegaGen and BioHorizons. Held for the 20th time, the EAO’s latest annual meeting looked back on various issues related to implant dentistry from the last two decades. Acknowledging the progress being achieved in the field, a Saturday mor- ning session titled “Future perspec- tives of implant dentistry” discussed future prospects of bioactive implant surfaces and the use of computer-gui- ded implant planning, among other topics. For the first time, a session organised by members of the EAO’s Junior Committee also presented new revolutionary ideas that could shape implant dentistry in the years to come. Having originated from a clini- cal meeting by implant specialists in the late 1980s, the EAO is today an established authority and one of the most important scientific and clini- cal forums for implant dentistry in Europe. It is comprised of renowned clinicians and researchers from around the world. With more than one third of visitors coming from regions out- side the continent, its annual scientific congress has recently gained more re- levance internationally.DT A record number of companies exhibited at the 20th EAO congress. (DTI/Photo Daniel Zimmermann) Members of the Tivoli Boys Guard entertaining attendees of the opening ceremony. (DTI/Photo Yvonne Bachmann) Left: Stanley M Bergman (DTI/Photo Henry Schein, USA)—Right: View of Bangkok’s business district. (DTI/Photo Natapong Paopijit)