For Immediate Release
Medline Acquires Guardian Mobility and Bath Safety Brands from Sunrise Medical
Thursday, November 06, 2008 — Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, announced today that it has acquired the Guardian North and South American walking aids and bath safety business from Sunrise Medical, a leading manufacturer of assistive technology devices.
"The acquisition of the Guardian line marks a significant step forward in the growth and value-added development of our Durable Medical Equipment division," said Dave Jacobs, president, Medline Durable Medical Equipment division. "Guardian has a long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in the healthcare industry and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to build on that tradition. In addition to bolstering our competitive position in the marketplace, the acquisition of this highly respected brand expands the range of products, services and value we can offer our customers."
Medline is one of the largest providers of durable medical equipment – such as homecare beds, walking aids, bath safety, aids for daily living and bariatric products – to the hospital, home care and long-term care industries. The Guardian brand acquisition broadens Medline's portfolio of mobility products, which currently includes crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes and bath safety products, which are distributed through drugstores, home centers, department stores and specialty retailers.
About Medline
Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, IL, Medline has more than 800 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.
Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 250 major hospitals and health care systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities, and on-staff clinicians.
Medline has a growing network of 34 distribution centers around the country, as well as an expanding, dedicated transportation fleet with over 160 vehicles in a variety of sizes to fit customers' specific delivery needs. The fleet is equipped with the latest navigation devices for enhanced order tracking and communication.