Straumann secures access to leading-edge digital technology by increasing stake in Dental Wings to 55%

Straumann, a leading provider of tooth-replacement solutions, announced today that it has increased its stake in Dental Wings Inc. from 44% to 55% with an option for a stepped increase to full ownership by 2020. Although Straumann now holds the majority of shares, the founding shareholders will retain a controlling interest and will remain with the company, together with the executive management. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dental Wings is a leading provider of digital dentistry technologies including dental scanning, implant planning, prosthesis design and manufacture. Earlier this year the company unveiled a revolutionary chairside mill, which uses laser technology to mill ceramic prosthetic crowns – either in the lab or in the dental practice. In addition, Dental Wings introduced a new intraoral scanner with an exceptionally small tip making it easier to handle and more comfortable for patients. Both these innovative products complement the company's well-established range of in-lab scanners and strengthen its position in the dental practice chairside segment.

"This deal secures our access to leading-edge technology and supports our strategy to become a total solution provider," said Marco Gadola, CEO of Straumann. "Dental Wings covers the full digital workflow – from treatment-planning and guided surgery to final restoration. It also has an exciting development pipeline, which complements our current technology platform and will enable us to offer customers central, in-lab and chairside milling possibilities in addition to state-of-the-art intra-oral scanning. I am delighted that we have been able to increase our ownership without losing the entrepreneurial vision and genius of its founding shareholders, who will help us to drive innovative technologies and cost-effective solutions that make life easier and more predictable for dentists and labs".

Straumann first invested in Dental Wings by acquiring a 30% stake in 2011, which it increased to 44% one-and-a-half years later. The company has since become a strong partner in Straumann's shared technology platform. Together with 3M ESPE the two companies pioneered the first open standard software platform for multiple dental applications.

About Dental Wings

Dental Wings is a leading provider of digital dentistry technologies. Its solutions cover dental scanning, implant planning, prosthesis design, manufacturing and communication among dental professionals. Dental Wings was founded in 2007 in Montreal and has international offices in Berlin and Chemnitz, Germany, and Lyon, France. The company has a staff of 110 and its products are distributed by leading dental companies in over 45 countries around the world. Dental Wings' vision is to create the largest global network of digitally enabled dental professionals, and equip them with diagnostic, design, and manufacturing tools that increase the efficacy, quality, and profitability of the services they provide to patients.

About Straumann

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in implant, restorative and regenerative dentistry. In collaboration with leading clinics, research institutes and universities, Straumann researches, develops and manufactures dental implants, instruments, prosthetics and tissue regeneration products for use in tooth replacement and restoration solutions or to prevent tooth loss. Including its Neodent business, the Group currently employs approximately 3500 people worldwide and its products and services are available in more than 70 countries through its broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.