Gore Enhances Capabilities for Medical Ultrasound Market with Acquisition of Tetrad Corporation

ELKTON, MD (April 7, 2005) -  W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., a world leader in the manufacture of fluoropolymer-based surgical and medical OEM products, has acquired Tetrad Corporation, Englewood, CO, a manufacturer of medical ultrasound probes, imaging systems, and surgical products for end-users and original equipment manufacturers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tetrad becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Financial details were not disclosed.

Gore has developed a number of proprietary technologies based on the versatile polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), resulting in numerous products for electronic signal transmission, fabric laminates, and medical implants; as well as membrane, filtration, sealant, and fiber technologies for diverse industries. Founded in 1958 in Newark, Delaware, Gore today boasts 7,000 associates and 45 locations worldwide, and fiscal year sales are nearly $2 billion.

Tetrad, started in 1985 as a contract-engineering firm specializing in medical ultrasound, is a leading supplier of innovative ultrasound products ranging from standard ultrasound probes and imaging systems to highly specialized surgical and disposable ultrasound probes to major original equipment manufacturers worldwide. 

"It's a natural fit," said Russell Shaller, global business leader for Gore's Electronic Products Division,  "because Tetrad has already been using GORE™ Medical Probe Cable Assemblies in its probes. Since Gore is very active in medical imaging products, by combining Tetrad's advanced ultrasound probe technology with the established electrical performance and reliability of GORE™ cable assemblies, we can better serve our customers in the ultrasound industry and the medical community in general."
              
"Tetrad has come a long way since we started as a contract engineering firm twenty years ago," remarked Said Azim, Ph.D., of Tetrad Corporation. "Becoming part of Gore represents a very significant enhancement of Tetrad's capabilities to serve its customers with worldwide resources and leading edge technologies. Our management and employees are also delighted to become part of the company voted 'Best Company to Work For' due to a unique culture that fosters technological leadership and encourages hands-on innovation."

For more information about W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., call 1-877-GOREOEM or visit the Gore Web site at www.gore.com.