InvestorsHub Logo
Followers 86
Posts 9351
Boards Moderated 0
Alias Born 11/17/2006

Re: None

Monday, 02/25/2008 9:08:00 PM

Monday, February 25, 2008 9:08:00 PM

Post# of 29
KCI reorganizes and strengthens therapeutic surfaces business
February 14, 2008 12:49 PM ET

Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI) is refocusing its sales effort on its therapeutic surfaces business and has appointed Lynne Sly the global president.

Sly had previously been interim president of KCI's international operations.

As the head of the therapeutic surfaces business, which has been renamed Therapeutic Support Systems, she will lead a dedicated sales force in the United States that will focus solely on the company's therapeutic support systems that help manage pressure ulcers in patients as well as the sale of specialty hospital beds to patients who are either bariatric or have pulmonary complications.

Previously, KCI's sales team were responsible for selling both the company V.A.C. Therapy System and therapeutic surfaces. As a result, two sales teams will sell wound-care products like V.A.C. Therapy and the hospital beds and related overlays.

"The move to dedicated sales organizations in the U.S. market will benefit both businesses," KCI President and CEO Catherine Burzik says. "While our V.A.C. Therapy is clearly our leading growth business, Therapeutic Support Systems represents KCI's heritage."

Burzik says the new name also gives KCI the flexibility to add a broader range of products in this business in the future.

"In 2007, we saw very good top line growth in this business," says Sly. "During 2008, we will focus on improving profitability by focusing on new business opportunities globally in our wound care, bariatrics and critical care franchises while simultaneously driving operational efficiencies through our global manufacturing and service infrastructure."

San Antonio-based KCI (NYSE: KCI) is a global medical technology company.

"I call investing the greatest business in the world because you never have to swing... All day you wait for the pitch you like,... The problem when you're a money manager is that your fans keep yelling, 'Swing. you bum!'"
W. Buffett