Cardiac Science and OMRON Healthcare sign distribution agreement

Cardiac Science Corporation (Nasdaq: CSCX), a global leader in automated external defibrillator (AED) and diagnostic cardiac monitoring devices, entered into an exclusive agreement with OMRON Healthcare distribute Omron's vital signs and spot check monitors under the Cardiac Science brand in the United States and Canada.

OMRON Healthcare is a subsidiary of OMRON Corporation, the $7-billion global leader in the sensing and control market and the global leader in blood pressure monitoring with sales of more than 100 million blood pressure units worldwide.

"This deal leverages our industry-leading distribution capabilities. OMRON is an outstanding company with an excellent reputation for quality," said Dave Marver, Cardiac Science's president and chief executive officer. "They are an ideal partner to help us enter the North American vital signs market."

"When we looked to expand our U.S. based sales into the diagnostic market for healthcare professionals," said Bob Kondraske, chief operating officer for OMRON Healthcare, Inc., "we needed a partner with deep industry knowledge and solid distribution. Cardiac Science is a leader in ECG, Holter, cardiac stress, and automated external defibrillation sales into the physician office. In addition, they have a strong direct sales force in the hospital market. They've demonstrated their commitment and skill selling into both marketplaces - which is exactly what we needed."

Vital signs monitors sold under the exclusive agreement are available for sale next Monday under the Cardiac Science name, while clearly featuring the accuracy of the OMRON technology. "This allows customers to recognize the strengths of both brands, and know they're purchasing from a partnership comprising two world leaders," Kondraske added.