Agfa Expands Medical Imaging Business and Renames It "HealthCare"; New Name Reflects Entry Into New Markets and Wider Business Scope.

Business/Medical Editors

MORTSEL, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2001

The Medical Imaging business of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. is changing its name to "HealthCare", starting from October 1, 2001.

The new name, which reflects Agfa's move into new markets and wider business scope, is part of an ongoing and aggressive growth strategy.

"Our aim is to evolve from our current position -- where we are a key player in the medical imaging arena -- into a major force in the Hospital Informatics market," said John Glass, Member of the Board of Management and General Manager, Medical Imaging, Agfa-Gevaert N.V. "The name 'HealthCare' reflects this intent. It also acknowledges that, with the acquisition of Quadrat and Talk Technology; the planned acquisition of Mitra; the minority interest in MediVision, which is a digital imaging device innovator for ophthalmic applications; and our introduction last year of new technologies for the Cardiology market, we have already begun to move beyond pure radiographic imaging."

Success in these new markets -- the Hospital Informatics market and other imaging-intensive markets, such as cardiology, ophthalmology and women's health --will require continued and significant business growth on the part of Agfa. Said Glass: "We will fuel this growth in two ways: through an enhanced focus inside the organization on efficiency and effectiveness; and through acquisitions."

For customers of Agfa's new HealthCare business, the benefits will be twofold. "First, they'll benefit from our enhanced customer focus, which is an important part of the internal re-structuring that underlies our plan," says Glass. "Second, they will be dealing with a larger and more influential healthcare company with enhanced capabilities and products."

Agfa's HealthCare business name and new positioning will be introduced this fall through a major worldwide advertising and public relations campaign. The program will lead up to the November meeting of the RSNA (the Radiological Society of North America), where the name and overarching strategy will be spotlighted.

About Agfa

The Agfa Group headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium ranks among the world's leading imaging companies. Agfa develops, produces and markets analog and digital systems, primarily for the graphics industry, healthcare, non-destructive testing, micrographics, motion picture film and consumer photography markets. Agfa employs about 22,000 people in 40 countries, and has 120 agents throughout the world. Together, they achieved a turnover of 5,260 million Euro in 2000.

Product and company information can be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com.