PLEASANTON, Calif., FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and SYDNEY, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thoratec Corporation (Nasdaq: THOR), a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, and HeartWare International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTWR; ASX: HIN), which develops and manufactures miniaturized implantable heart pumps, announced today that the United States Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has informed them that the FTC will file a complaint in U.S. Federal District Court to challenge Thoratec's proposed acquisition of HeartWare International.
Thoratec and HeartWare International are disappointed with the FTC's decision to challenge the acquisition. The companies intend to review the FTC's decision and mutually assess the appropriate next steps and promptly communicate their intentions once a decision has been made.
About Thoratec Corporation
Thoratec Corporation is a world leader in therapies to address advanced-stage heart failure. The company's product lines include the Thoratec(R) VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) and HeartMate LVAS, with more than 13,000 devices implanted in patients suffering from heart failure. Additionally, its International Technidyne Corporation (ITC) division is a leader in point-of-care blood testing and skin incision products. Thoratec is headquartered in Pleasanton, California. For more information, visit the company's web sites at http://www.thoratec.com or http://www.itcmed.com.
Thoratec, the Thoratec logo, HeartMate and HeartMate II are registered trademarks of Thoratec Corporation, and IVAD is a trademark of Thoratec Corporation.
About HeartWare International, Inc.
HeartWare International develops and manufactures miniaturized implantable heart pumps, or Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) to treat patients suffering from advanced heart failure. HeartWare's HVAD(TM) pump is the only full-output pump designed to be implanted in the chest. HeartWare has completed an international clinical trial for the device involving five investigational centers in Europe and Australia. The device is currently the subject of a 150-patient clinical trial in the United States for a bridge-to-transplantation indication.
Additional Information and Where You Can Find It
Thoratec has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents concerning the proposed acquisition with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The proxy statement, once finalized, will be filed by HeartWare with the SEC and mailed by HeartWare to its stockholders. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC because they contain important information.
