J O I N T   A N N O U N C E M E N T

For Information Contact:
Joni Morford, Communicore
714/721-8081
jmorford@communicore.com


JOHNSON & JOHNSON'S ASP DIVISION AND GETINGE/CASTLE UNVEIL NEW STRATEGIC ALLIANCE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.....April 8, 1997.....Anaheim, Calif.....Advanced Sterilization 
Products (ASP), a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., and innovator of low-
temperature sterilization systems, and Getinge/Castle, a worldwide supplier of disinfection, 
sterilization and surgical equipment for healthcare and scientific markets, today announced 
the formation of a new strategic alliance for North and South America. 

Under terms of the alliance, ASP and Getinge/Castle will work jointly to increase market 
acceptance and penetration of each company's core technologies.  In the future, the two 
organizations may also together develop additional products and services in the disinfection 
and sterilization area.

According to Tralance O. Addy, Ph.D., worldwide president of Advanced Sterilization 
Products, this alliance with Getinge/Castle combines the skills and resources from the leader of 
low-temperature, hydrogen peroxide, gas plasma sterilization technology with the leader of 
traditional disinfection and sterilization technology.  "Together we can now offer our 
customers total solutions for instrument processing, education, marketing and service," 
Addy said.

"Over the past several years, Getinge/Castle has reviewed a number of low-temperature 
sterilization systems along with conducting an exhaustive internal product development 
program," said Lars-Peter Harbing, president and chief executive officer of Getinge/Castle.  
"Through this effort it became clear that the gas plasma technology incorporated in the 
STERRAD¨ 100 Sterilizer is the low-temperature system preferred by customers in North 
and South America.  I am pleased we can now jointly provide this innovative system to our 
customers as a complement to our own disinfection and sterilization product lines."

This new joint marketing program involves a co-marketing relationship between Getinge/Castle 
and ASP.  As part of the agreement, Getinge/Castle will market the STERRAD 100 Sterilization 
System together with its traditional products and services into healthcare construction and 
renovation projects.  In addition, the company will offer the STERRAD System to its own 
ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization customers as part of a promotional program offered by ASP.  
The STERRAD Sterilization System is a medical sterilizer based on a patented process involving 
the generation of a low-temperature gas plasma from hydrogen peroxide.  The System sterilizes 
in approximately 75 minutes, and it is safe for healthcare workers, patients, and the 
environment.

ASP will market Getinge/Castle's unique Castle 4656 washer/disinfection system as part of a 
comprehensive instrument processing system for hospital and ambulatory surgery operating 
rooms.  In addition, the company will market this product system to its current STERRAD 
System customers as part of a promotional program offered by Getinge/Castle.  The Castle 
4656 washer/disinfector is a cost-effective, highly productive cleaning and disinfection system 
which reduces the need for sonic cleaning, eliminates manual washing and drying, saves staff 
time, and enhances safety through disinfection.

The strategic alliance between ASP and Getinge/Castle also represents the opportunity for a 
joint selling effort between the two organizations.  Although initially the products and systems 
noted above will be marketed separately, based on specific customer needs, the company's sales 
representatives may, at times, call on customers and prospects together.  

Getinge/Castle manufactures and markets disinfection, sterilization and surgical equipment 
for healthcare and scientific markets worldwide.  The company was formed in 1996 through a 
merger between Getinge Industrier AB and MDT Corporation.  With comprehensive and 
technologically innovative product systems, the company offers a single-source solution to 
meet customer needs.  Getinge/Castle provides products and services to help customers 
reduce operating costs, maximize productivity, and enhance patient care and employee safety.  
Getinge/Castle is headquartered in Rochester, NY.

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., 
manufactures and markets innovative sterilization technologies and products that provide 
safe, effective, and economically sound solutions for the needs of healthcare providers.  The 
company is based in Irvine, Calif.

For product information on Advanced Sterilization Products, call (888) STERRAD.  For 
product information on Getinge/Castle, contact Bob Von Kaenel, Jr., 1777 East Henrietta 
Road, Rochester, NY 14623, (716) 475-1400.


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