FORMER CENTERPULSE ORTHOPEDICS
EXECUTIVES FORM NEW VENTURE
Heads of Marketing, Sales and R&D
create Path4, LLC

Austin, TX - March 8, 2004

Three executives from Centerpulse Orthopedics, formerly Sulzer Medica, have joined forces to create Path4, LLC, a strategic consulting firm providing services to companies and physicians in the orthopaedic sector. The Austin, Texas-based company is focused on strengthening their client’s competitive position and increasing revenue potential. Path4 will provide services to support both surgeons and medical device companies to help them identify and leverage opportunities. Jerry DeVries, Jim Rogan and Steve Whitlock, formerly vice presidents of marketing, sales, and research and development, respectively, were part of the Centerpulse management team that led the company’s recovery from the largest orthopaedic device product recall. The team helped create one of the fastest-growing orthopaedic companies in the U.S and fostered strong recognition within the surgeon and industry community.

"Path4 is passionate about orthopaedics and we know that building great relationships with the surgeon community is fundamental to our success. We understand the mutual benefit derived when surgeons and companies work together to advance medicine," said Jerry DeVries.

Path4 will provide services in three distinct areas: commercializing innovative products and technologies; providing strategic solutions to industry; and advising and consulting with surgeons on how to improve their competitive position. To support the development of promising ideas, Path4, LLC plans to create Path4 Innovations, LLC, to raise capital aimed at investing in, incubating and commercializing selective technologies for the benefit of industry.

"Innovations in new technologies that solve real problems are what drive the engine in orthopaedics, and this core belief is what our company is based upon," said Steve Whitlock.

"Our industry faces a new dynamic in the growing responsibility toward ethical sales and marketing practices in the emerging compliance environment," Jim Rogan said. "How companies respond will determine the outcome of the relationship between sales organizations and their surgeon customers. Because of our recall experience, we know how to positively effect change while continuing to foster the relationship aspect of the sales rep and surgeon."

About the Company
Founded in 2004, Path4 LLC is a privately held company based in Austin, Texas. The company identifies, creates and develops opportunities in the healthcare industry. As a strategic consulting firm to companies and physicians in the orthopaedic sector, Path4 is focused on strengthening clients’ competitive position and increasing revenue potential. More information is available at www.path4.com.

SOURCE: Path4, LLC
Media: Jerry DeVries, +1-512-437-2582
jerrydevries@path4.com
www.path4.com
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