GE Healthcare and Konica Minolta agree to collaborate on a DR retrofit global distribution agreement, enhancing strategic alliance

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin U.S.A. & Tokyo, Japan (June 26, 2013) - GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) and Konica Minolta Inc. have signed a global distribution agreement (*) of Konica Minolta's AeroDR cassette-size digital x-ray imaging retrofit. Having built a collaborative relationship for nearly ten years related to the sales of computed radiography (CR)¹ in the United States, the two partners have now agreed to expand their strategic alliance, with GE Healthcare distributing AeroDR not just within the United States, but globally as well, using GE Healthcare sales channels .

The AeroDR, introduced as the world's lightest, most compact wireless-type cassette digital x-ray device of its kind, is already in use in a wide range of medical workplaces, contributing the advantages of high image quality at low x-ray dose² comparing to CR. The agreement will enable healthcare facilities that have x-ray analog devices to implement digital imaging upgrades using their current imaging equipment. In addition, a selection of three cassette sizes adds versatility: 10”×12” ³, 14”×17” and 17”×17”.

The agreement adds the AeroDR panel to the GE Healthcare lineup of digital x-ray devices, thus enabling both partners to accelerate their supply of solutions adapted to the needs of a diverse array of customers. Building on the solutions to meet a broad range of customer needs globally the alliance contributes to innovation in healthcare.

(*) except in Japan.

Sales by GE Healthcare are underway using a global sales network and will progressively be spanning over 50 countries.

Notes:

1. As opposed to the use of x-ray film in conventional systems, an imaging plate (IP) records the x-ray image data, which is then converted into a visual image by a reading device.
2. The irradiated dose is received by a sensor panel, directly acquiring the image digitally, and thus providing superior image quality, as well as shorter imaging times.
3. Work in Progress in some countries

With MFPs (multi-functional peripherals) and other office equipment at the core of its business activities, Konica Minolta also provides products and services to meet the industrial needs of society for production materials and equipment, healthcare, planetariums, and more. In the healthcare field, Konica Minolta has been a pioneer of analog x-ray film in Japan, and now provides a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of the healthcare workplace, centering diagnostic medical imaging technologies. In recent years, Konica Minolta has been providing total IT services and hardware systems that contribute to the progress of the healthcare field as it becomes ever more digitized and networked. In this way, Konica Minolta contributes to more rapid, reliable diagnostic services.

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.

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