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EXHIBIT 99(a)
NEWS RELEASE DATED AUGUST 21, 2000
ALARIS MEDICAL PLANS SALE OF ITS INSTROMEDIX DIVISION
TO CARD GUARD SCIENTIFIC SURVIVAL, LTD.
SAN DIEGO, CA, AUGUST 21, 2000 -- ALARIS Medical, Inc. (AMEX:AMI) announced
today that its ALARIS Medical Systems, Inc. subsidiary plans to sell its
Instromedix-Registered Trademark- division to Card Guard Scientific Survival
Ltd. (SWX NeW Market: CARDG). The closing of the transaction is subject to
the completion of certain terms of the purchase agreement, including approval
by ALARIS Medical's lending group. The structure of the sale is cash for
assets; other terms were not disclosed.
ALARIS Medical president and chief executive officer, David L. Schlotterbeck,
said, "ALARIS Medical Systems has been working diligently to focus our strategy
on patient care systems centered around the bedside. This strategy is based on
our core intravenous infusion therapy technology. The products of Instromedix
are primarily remote patient monitoring systems emphasizing telemedicine. They
are not in alignment with this core strategy. However, these products are an
important part of the growth strategy for Card Guard. We are delighted that our
dedicated Instromedix employees will become part of the Card Guard
organization."
"Instromedix" strong market leadership in the USA and pioneering expertise in
telecardiology is an excellent strategic fit for Card Guard," said Jacob Geva,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Card Guard. "This strategic acquisition
provides us with a unique opportunity to expand our global leadership in
telemedicine systems and monitoring services."
Following the close of the transaction, ALARIS Medical will assist Card Guard in
setting up a fully independent headquarters and manufacturing facility in San
Diego. During this transition, ALARIS Medical will continue to manufacture
Instromedix' products for Card Guard on an OEM basis. Net cash proceeds from the
transaction, after taxes and other costs, will be used by ALARIS Medical to
repay a portion of its bank debt.
ALARIS Medical, Inc., through its operating subsidiary ALARIS Medical
Systems, Inc., is known for its IMED-Registered Trademark- and
IVAC-Registered Trademark- brand names of intravenous infusion therapy
systems. The Company's principal line of business is the design, manufacture
and marketing of intravenous infusion therapy products, patient monitoring
instruments and related disposables. In addition to its San Diego world
headquarters and manufacturing facility, the Company also operates
manufacturing facilities in Creedmoor, NC; Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK; and
Tijuana, Mexico. Additional information on ALARIS Medical can be found at
www.alarismed.com.
Card Guard Scientific Survival Ltd. is a leading medical technology company
specializing in advanced telemedicine systems for patient populations, ranging
from high risk and chronically ill patients to ordinary consumers of health
products. Card Guard, based in Rehovot, Israel, with wholly-based subsidiaries
in the United States, Europe, and Brazil and offices in Japan and Italy, was
incorporated in 1986 and commenced operations in 1990. In November 1999, Card
Guard successfully completed an initial public offering on the Swiss Stock
Exchange New Market. In January of 2000, Card Guard acquired the assets of
Lifewatch, Inc., a provider of telemedicine services.
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Safe
Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Persons reading this release are cautioned that such forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties, including the effect of legislative and
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regulatory changes affecting the health care industry, the potential of
increased levels of competition, technological changes, the dependence of ALARIS
Medical upon the success of new products and ongoing research and development
efforts including obtaining regulatory approvals, restrictions contained in the
instruments governing ALARIS Medical's indebtedness, and the significant
leverage to which it is subject. Such risk factors are detailed in the
Securities and Exchange Commission filings of ALARIS Medical, Inc., including
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. ALARIS Medical assumes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new
information or future events or developments.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
AT THE COMPANY
William C. Bopp, Sr. VP & CFO, (858) 458-7994
AT KETCHUM
Melissa Kinch, Trade Contact, (310) 444-1306
E-mail any comments or requests to INVESTOR RELATIONS.
