October 24, 2012—CHELMSFORD, MASS.—ZOLL® Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions and a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, has established Asahi Kasei ZOLL Medical Corporation (AZM) as its Japanese subsidiary effective November 5. AZM will advance the expansion and development of ZOLL’s critical care business in Japan, the second largest medical market in the world.
The new Tokyo-based subsidiary is wholly owned by ZOLL. Seiji Sakano, PhD, will serve as president of AZM, reporting directly to Richard A. Packer, CEO of ZOLL.
Targeting growth in the field of resuscitation and critical care, Asahi Kasei acquired full ownership of ZOLL in April 2012. As a member company of the Asahi Kasei Group, ZOLL is accelerating the expansion of operations beyond the US and Europe, with a focus on Japan and other major Asian markets.
The ZOLL AED Plus® automated external defibrillator has been marketed in Japan since August 2011 through Asahi Kasei subsidiary, Admis, Inc. To further expand its Japanese business, ZOLL is working to obtain regulatory approval as quickly as possible for products currently sold in the US and Europe, while reinforcing its sales infrastructure in the country.
"This subsidiary, headed by Dr. Sakano, who previously held the position of general manager of Asahi Kasei’s Advanced Medical Device Center, represents a solid opportunity to enter a high-growth market,” said Mr. Packer. “AZM will leverage the resources of the Asahi Kasei Group to facilitate these developments for the swift expansion of ZOLL’s business in Japan.”
AZM will work to increase sales of the AED Plus while advancing preparations for the sale of other approved products such as ZOLL’s Intravascular Temperature Management (IVTM™) system and the ZOLL AED Pro® automated external defibrillators for use by professional rescuers. Applications have been filed for Japanese regulatory approval of the X Series™ monitor/defibrillator and the LifeVest® Wearable Defibrillator, and preparations for selling these products will be advanced upon approval.
About ZOLL Medical Corporation
ZOLL Medical Corporation, an Asahi Kasei Group company, develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and monitoring, circulation and CPR feedback, data management, fluid resuscitation, and therapeutic temperature management, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, and lay rescuers treat victims needing resuscitation and critical care. For more information, visit www.zoll.com.
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the chemicals and fibers, homes and construction materials, electronics, and health care business sectors. Its health care operations include devices and systems for critical care, dialysis, therapeutic apheresis, transfusion, and manufacture of biotherapeutics, as well as pharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents, and nutritional products. With more than 25,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/.
