Proteor Expands Lower Limb Portfolio Through Acquisition of Freedom Innovations Assets.

PRESS RELEASE

2020 october 9th

Tempe, Arizona – Proteor USA, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the France based, Proteor Group, has signed an agreement with Ottobock to acquire a significant portion of the lower limb prosthetics portfolio of Freedom Innovations which demonstrates Proteor’s continued commitment and investment in the worldwide prosthetic industry. The agreement was reached by Proteor and Ottobock at the end of September 2020 and the proposed transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2020.

Under the agreement, Proteor will expand substantially its lower limb prosthetics portfolio and acquire a range of Freedom Innovations’ flagship products, including the Plié3 microprocessor knee, the Kinnex and Kinterra ankles, and the Agilix, Highlander, Dynadapt, Sierra and Pacifica feet products.

Both Proteor and Freedom Innovations share a similar mission to increase the independence and well-being of people who use their products by offering innovative, high-performance solutions that deliver security, stability, and comfort for a reasonable price. Through the acquisition of a significant portion of Freedom Innovations, Proteor is eager to combine the teams in the United States and Europe and expand globally, thereby providing a clear choice to prosthetists and their patients for enhanced outcomes.

“We strongly believe in the long-term benefits of this move for the people we serve around the world. By combining the expertise of our teams in the US and Europe, the momentum we generate will continue to build Proteor’s presence within the O&P community” said Edouard Archambeaud, COO and member of the Managing Board of Proteor.

Matthew Swiggum, President and CEO of Proteor USA states, “We are dedicated to providing inventive, dependable products to the orthotic and prosthetic community that offer increased independence with an outstanding product portfolio. Working with the passionate and skilled team at Freedom Innovations is a pleasure we’re all looking forward to.”

For Proteor, the proposed transaction will reinforce its positioning and growth strategy worldwide, while creating synergies within innovation platforms, significant continuous R&D investment, and a focus on mechatronic lower limb solutions. This proposed transaction will further build upon Proteor’s presence in the United States lower limb prosthetics market, already strengthened by Proteor’s prior acquisition of Ability Dynamics’ RUSH Foot portfolio, which further illustrates Proteor’s commitment to its markets worldwide.

The terms of the proposed transaction between Proteor and Ottobock remain subject to the final approval of the Commissioners of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and are meant to satisfy Ottobock’s obligations under the Order from the FTC to divest certain assets from the U.S. company Freedom Innovations. Once approval from the FTC is obtained, Proteor USA will integrate a significant number of Freedom Innovations team members in manufacturing, sales, marketing, R&D and clinical from Gunnison, Utah; Irvine, California; and Germany.

About Proteor

Media contact : Sophie.desbois@proteor.com

Proteor, an independent family-company, was established 105 years ago with its headquarters in Dijon, France. Proteor operates in the O&P market with three key areas of activities: software’s, components and custom-made devices. Thanks to continuous investments in innovation, many medical and scientific partnerships, and day to day cooperation with CPOs, Proteor enjoys a recognized expertise all over the O&P community.

For additional information visit http://proteorusa.com/

PROTEOR USA adds Kristin Wacker as Sales Representative

PROTEOR USA is pleased to announce that Kristin Wacker has been hired as Sales Representative for the Great Lakes territory covering Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Kristin joins the PROTEOR USA team with 6+ years of successful selling experience in the medical field. Her clinical experience coupled with her Communications Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia provide an excellent foundation. She brings a passion for learning and a desire to help people lead more independent lives.

PROTEOR USA Vice President of Sales Frank Oschell shares: "I am excited to have Kristin join the team. Her energetic, process driven approach to uncovering needs and providing solutions will serve this customer base extremely well. In addition, her passion for serving people help to further cement our culture and brand promise of Human First.”

About PROTEOR USA

PROTEOR USA, a North American company established in 2011, is located in Tempe, Arizona.  PROTEOR USA is not only home to the infamous RUSH Foot Collection, a first of its kind prosthetic foot constructed of a unique glass composite; PROTEOR USA is also proud to offer a complete line of prosthetic and orthotic componentry including both mechanical and microprocessor controlled (MPK) knee joints.  With its guarantee of quality & strong brand identity, PROTEOR USA is focused on improving lives through innovation and a focus on the patient’s perspective.

To learn more visit: https://www.proteorusa.com

Media Contact: Joel Goltry, Field Support Manager, PROTEOR USA. – 855.450.7300 jgoltry@proteorusa.com

PROTEOR USA Announces New President and CEO

TEMPE, Ariz., May 9, 2019 (Newswire.com) - PROTEOR Group is pleased to announce that Matthew Swiggum has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the U.S. division, PROTEOR USA, effective immediately.

Matthew Swiggum, President and CEO, PROTEOR USA

PROTEOR Group’s COO Edouard Archambeaud recently stated, “Having Mr. Swiggum join our team is another significant step in PROTEOR’s path to build a strong presence in North America. Matthew’s impressive track record in growing a sales organization will be a tremendous asset to further the growth of our franchise. We are all very enthusiastic to begin this new chapter of our journey together.” Swiggum’s appointment is a clear reflection of the company’s current state: positioned to continue global expansion and brand awareness surrounding the extensive line of innovative prosthetic and orthotic components now available in the United States.

Mr. Swiggum brings decades of industry experience, strategic guidance and customer-focused passion to the company. “I am excited about the enormous opportunity that lies ahead as part of the PROTEOR USA family, and helping amputees and our customers achieve continued success.”

Recognized as a global leader and educator in the practice of sales and marketing excellence, his previous experience includes over 21 years with Ottobock Healthcare, most recently as the regional president and CEO, as well as a member of the board of directors with the Amputee Coalition of America since 2017.

J. Blount Swain, the founder of Ability Dynamics (now known as PROTEOR USA) was responsible for growing the company and brand awareness to where it currently stands. His contributions and leadership were truly visionary, bringing the RUSH Foot to the forefront of the prosthetic industry with an emphasis on increasing the independence and well-being of amputees. His previous efforts are greatly appreciated.

About PROTEOR USA

PROTEOR USA, a North American company established in 2011 and located in Tempe, Arizona, continues its growth thanks to its unique glass composite feet developed by engineers from the aerospace industry for active amputee patients.

Beyond this guarantee of quality, a strong brand identity was established on key social media channels that focuses on sharing experiences from the patients’ perspective. www.proteorusa.com

About PROTEOR INC.

PROTEOR INC., an independent family-company, was established 105 years ago with its headquarters in Dijon, France. PROTEOR offers a complete range of high-quality products and services to the O&P world through more than 60 wholly owned clinics in France as well as several international subsidiaries and global distribution. Thanks to continuous investments in innovation, many medical and scientific partnerships and day-to-day cooperation with CPOs, PROTEOR enjoys a recognized expertise all over the O&P community. http://orthopaedics.proteor.com/

Media Contact: Joel Goltry, Field Marketing Manager, PROTEOR USA, 480.244.6684, hsanger@proteorusa.com