For Immediate Release
Contact:
DynaVox Systems LLC Acquires Enkidu Research, Inc. Industry Leaders Join Forces to
Develop Better Communication Solutions
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14, 2004 - DynaVox Systems, the world's leading
provider of advanced augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions,
today announced that it has acquired Enkidu Research, Inc. Enkidu Research develops
AAC technologies supported by aggressive applied research efforts.
"We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Enkidu," said Joe Swenson, DynaVox
Systems' president. "The integration of Enkidu's human and technological resources
into DynaVox Systems' operations will allow us to deliver better communication solutions
to those with significant speech disabilities much more quickly."
Enkidu co-founders, Dr. Gregory Lesher and Bryan Moulton, and their partner, Bob
Geenen, will assume critical roles as directors on the DynaVox Systems' research
and development team. Enkidu's long-time research collaborator, Dr. Jeff Higginbotham
of the State University of New York at Buffalo, will work with DynaVox Systems in
a consulting role. This group will continue to focus their efforts on applied research
and the integration of research results into new and existing products.
Additional terms of the sale include:
- Continued availability of Enkidu products - DynaVox Systems will carry current Enkidu
products as a separate brand under the DynaVox Systems name.
- Increased level of support - Current and future Enkidu product communicators will
be able to tap into DynaVox Systems' extensive network of support services that
includes funding assistance, sales support, expanded technical phone support hours,
access to answers 24/7 at DynaVox Systems' on-line Knowledge Base and additional
training opportunities.
- Trusted relationships remain intact - Enkidu customers will continue to receive
service from the Enkidu representatives that they have come to know and trust.
"Enkidu has been successful by bringing quality AAC devices to market quickly through
the use of applied research. However, it's difficult for a company the size of Enkidu
to provide the high level of support that users of AAC technology deserve," said
Lesher. "We were looking for a way to extend the services we could provide and get
our products to more people that need them. Becoming part of the DynaVox team will
allow that to happen quickly."
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About DynaVox Systems LLC
DynaVox Systems applies proprietary technology and applied research efforts to deliver
a broad range of augmentative and alternative communications tools to improve the
quality of life for adults and children with severe speech disabilities caused by
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), stroke, traumatic brain
injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, autism and mental retardation. The
Company offers a wide range of software and hardware technology, along with an extensive
customer support program, which enables individuals and their families to access
state-of-the-art technology and reimbursement counsel regarding the Company's suite
of products. For more information about DynaVox Technologies, visit: www.dynavoxtech.com.
About Enkidu Research
Enkidu Research, Inc. is dedicated to creating new possibilities for communication
through aggressive research efforts. The results of this research have led and will
continue to lead to the design of more effective AAC devices, the development of
techniques for accelerating communication, and enhanced communication experiences
and increased quality of life for AAC communicators. Enkidu offers a range of communication
devices with powerful proprietary communication software supported by third-party
hardware platforms, and supports AAC communicators and their care teams by offering
funding assistance, technical support and training. For more information about Enkidu,
visit www.enkidu.net.
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