Press Release Details

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) the world's largest distributor of healthcare products to office-based practitioners, announced today the acquisition of Maryland-based Columbia Medical, Inc., a medical/surgical supply company with $8 million in 1997 annual sales. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Henry Schein, Inc. said, "The acquisition of Columbia continues our growth strategy for Henry Schein's Medical Group by expanding our physician customer base in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In addition, Columbia enhances Henry Schein's existing physician office laboratory business by adding the expertise of Columbia's founder, Walter W. Weems, and its 13 field sales representatives to our existing network of over 200 medical field sales consultants."

Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics. The Company, recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, serves more than 250,000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit the Henry Schein website at http://www.henryschein.com.

Certain information contained herein includes information that is forward-looking. The matters referred to in forward-looking statements may be affected by the risks and uncertainties involved in the Company's business. These forward looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.