ORTHOFIX TO ACQUIRE PREMIER BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC. FOR $333 MILLION

Orthofix International N.V. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Blackstone Medical, Inc.The transaction will combine Orthofix's global market leading spine stimulation franchise with Blackstone's portfolio of innovative fusion, non-fusion and biologic products. The combined spine business is currently growing at more than 25% annually and is expected to generate total revenues of approximately $260 million in 2007, making Orthofix one of the largest spinal product companies in the world.

Carolina Newswire (http://carolinanewswire.com/news/News.cgi?database=topstories.db&command=viewone&id=4462&op=t)