Align Technology Acquires General Orthodontic

Align Technology, the inventor of Invisalign -- a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets has announced the acquisition of General Orthodontic (GO) as part of the company's ongoing commitment to providing clinical support for Invisalign doctors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Align has agreed to purchase GO for approximately $2.4 million, which includes an initial payment of $1.4 million and up to $1 million for performance-based earnouts. The effect of the acquisition has already been included in Align's Q1 2005 financial guidance, delivered on Jan. 26.

GO's services are designed to match the level of treatment planning support to the Invisalign experience level of the doctor. As part of Align's clinical education and support program, GO will offer expert, individualized support services as a follow-up to Invisalign certification and other clinical courses. Privately held GO has provided a range of Invisalign treatment planning consulting and support services to doctors since 2003.