Sorin S.p.A merges with Cyberonics Inc.

Sorin S.p.A., a global medical device company and a leader in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and Cyberonics, Inc.,a medical device company with core expertise in neuromodulation, announced that the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, relating to their pending merger, has expired, thereby satisfying one of the conditions required to finalize the merger transaction. Sorin and Cyberonics entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which the two companies will combine in an all-stock transaction. The proposed combination of Sorin and Cyberonics will create a new premier global medical technology company. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Cyberonics Inc.is a medical device company with core expertise in neuromodulation. The company developed and markets the Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy system, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression. The VNS Therapy system uses a surgically implanted medical device that delivers pulsed electrical signals to the vagus nerve. Cyberonics markets the VNS Therapy system in selected markets worldwide. Cyberonics also has CE Mark for Vitaria, providing autonomic regulation therapy for chronic heart failure.