Medline and 3M Agree to Strategic Partnership in Elec...( Medline to become sole U.S. supplier...)

Medline to become sole U.S. supplier of 3M electrosurgical grounding pads

and accessories

MUNDELEIN, Ill., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline Industries, Inc. and 3M Health Care announce an exclusive license and supply agreement for 3M's electrosurgical patient plates in the United States. Under this agreement, Medline has acquired the exclusive license and sales rights in the United States for 3M's electrosurgical patient plates and accessories. Included are the 1100 series electrosurgical patient plates and the 9100 series universal patient plates with proprietary safety ring. This product line will be sold under the Medline brand.

3M brand patient plates are featured in national group purchasing contracts and are currently sold through several distribution channels. Medline will continue to support all sales channels and build upon the great relationships 3M has established with health care customers to ensure optimal supply costs and allow these customers to maintain their focus on patient safety.

Commenting on the agreement, Andy Mills, Medline president said, "It is one of those great marriages where our organization offers a strong nationwide sales network and complete offering of complementary electrosurgical products. 3M's reputation is unprecedented and we are very happy to have the responsibility to grow a high-quality product that has a proven performance and key benefits."

Chuck Kummeth, vice president and general manager, 3M Medical Division added, "By leveraging the strength of Medline's selling organization, we're able to focus on continued innovation and manufacturing excellence. Together, we can offer health care professionals a high quality, total solution in electrosurgery. We look forward to working with Medline now and in the future."

Also known as electrosurgical grounding pads or patient return electrodes, patient plates are intended to safely return electrical current from p
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