Synthes Announces Strong First Half-Year 2005 Results

Solothurn/Switzerland, August 11, 2005

Synthes sales and profits grew by 19.6% and 53.3%, respectively, for the first half 2005 versus prior year results. Pro forma for the acquisition of Mathys’ Osteosynthesis business as though the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2004, sales and profits for the first half grew by 17.0% and 19.7%, respectively.

Synthes consolidated sales and profits were $1,026.5 million and $224.5 million, respectively, for the first half of 2005. Foreign exchange positively impacted pro forma consolidated sales and profit growth by 2.1% and 2.2%, respectively. First half 2005 earnings growth comparison of 53.3% versus first half 2004 was positively impacted by a write-off of $40.9 million in 2004 associated with the acquisition of Mathys, and five months of Mathys’ activity in 2004 versus six months in 2005.

Key figures (unaudited)

Key figures (unaudited) - continued

Continued growth in all segments and regions driven by expanded sales force and increased training activities

The Trauma and CMF divisions growth in the second quarter / first half 2005 continued to outpace the market. Additionally, the introduction of the Trochanteric Fixation Nail (TFN) product line and the successful introduction of 24 Locking Compression Plate (LCP) products, thus far, are the primary drivers of the continuing growth in the Trauma division. The Spine division showed strong growth over the prior year primarily due to increased sales in the Anterior Thoracolumbar, Deformity and Biologics segments. Geographically, the second quarter / first half 2005 experienced strong sales growth in all regions versus prior year.

Synthes: A leading medical device company

Synthes is a leading global medical device company. We develop, produce and market instruments, implants and biomaterials for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and its soft tissues.

For further information please contact

Peter Fehlmann, Investor Relations, Synthes, Inc.

Phone: +41 32 720 48 10 , Fax: +41 32 720 48 11

e-mail: ir.infonoSpam@noSpamsynthes.com


File	Fileinfo	Date	Filesize
	Consolidated Statements of Operations	11.08.05	160 KB
	Supplement as per 16.12.05: Interim Report 2005	16.12.05	75 KB