Karl Storz Endoscopy-America Receives Leadership Recognition from Frost & Sullivan for its Extensive Reach in the Endoscopy Market.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Frost & Sullivan selected Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., as the recipient of the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Penetration Leadership for its remarkable growth in several fields of endoscopic medical specialization in the U.S. endoscopy industry.

KARL STORZ has leveraged its position in most key market segments and has simultaneously strengthened its position in niche sectors -- where it had a smaller presence -- to rise to the pole position in the U.S. endoscopy industry.

KARL STORZ has strived to be a leader in creativity and versatility since its inception. It has built a reputation for itself as one of the most responsive and customer-centric companies in terms of the service, technology and training it offers.

KARL STORZ prides itself on its broad product portfolio that offers physicians the flexibility of cross-application and innovation. Catering to a wide range of specialties, from gastrointestinal endoscopy and laparoscopy to neurosurgery and fully integrated operating room systems, KARL STORZ is not only recognized for the precision and clarity of its telescopes and endoscopes but also for the ergonomics and versatility of its instrumentation and accessories.

"KARL STORZ has always believed that visualization and documentation of therapeutic data plays a key role in the outcome of diagnosis and treatment," says Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Industry Manager Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan. "KARL STORZ cameras and visualization equipment encompass a whole range from 3-chip cameras and high-power xenon light sources to mobile all-in-one solutions that can also be battery operated."

KARL STORZ offers end users several purchase options. Endoscopes and visualization equipment are often bundled and offered as a package for establishing set-ups or for facilities looking to expand.

Further, KARL STORZ offers a program called the E-class(R) Endoscope Exchange, where damaged rigid telescopes or flexible fiberscopes are replaced with newly manufactured E-class(R) scopes at repair prices. Each replacement unit must meet the same optical performance specifications as new products, though rigid telescopes may contain remanufactured rod lenses and spacers. This offers end users a tremendous advantage in terms of price and quality.

"KARL STORZ also plays an active role in training and online support, where it offers various medical professionals ample opportunity for continuing education," notes Vaishnavi. "In the global healthcare arena, KARL STORZ has become synonymous with competence and technological innovations and has also positioned itself as a complete solution provider in terms of the core applications, accessories, service and training."

Frost & Sullivan believes that with the high level of dedication toward customer satisfaction, KARL STORZ has created a slot for itself in most specialties. Having established a strong brand name and cemented relationships, KARL STORZ is expected to not only leverage its current market position but also penetrate further to gain an unassailable lead in the endoscopy industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this Award to a company that has demonstrated excellence in capturing market share within its industry. The recipient has demonstrated strategic excellence in product innovation, marketing, and sales strategies that have resulted in the largest gain in market share over the last two to three years.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Karl Storz Endoscopy

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. is an affiliate of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for over 60 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit the company's Web site at www.karlstorz.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.awards.frost.com or http://medicaldevices.frost.com.