For Immediate Release
Contact:
DynaVox Acquires Mayer-Johnson and Separates from Sunrise Medical Independent Entity
Provides Comprehensive Product Offerings
PITTSBURGH, PA - May 17, 2004 - DynaVox Systems LLC, the world's
leading provider of advanced augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions,
today announced that it has acquired Mayer-Johnson, Inc. of San Diego, CA, creating
a family of companies with the world's broadest product menus for children and adults
with speech, language and learning disabilities.
Simultaneously, Sunrise Medical Inc. of Carlsbad, CA, announced its separation of
DynaVox Systems LLC into an independent, stand-alone entity, paving the way for
DynaVox to operate autonomously in the AAC industry.
DynaVox and Mayer-Johnson design, develop, produce and distribute personal communication
systems and instructional tools for those with speech, language and learning disabilities
due to the effects of autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy,
stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,
also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and a variety of other diagnoses.
"For more than 20 years, Mayer-Johnson has provided critical tools to those challenged
by speech, language and physical disabilities and those caregivers who support them,"
said DynaVox President and CEO Joe Swenson. "Together, we can provide a broad spectrum
of tools to enable all individuals challenged by speech and physical disabilities
to live richer, fuller lives."
"The management team is looking forward to guiding DynaVox autonomously. We see
great opportunities to expand our product and service offerings to better meet the
varied needs of the disability community," Swenson added. "Additionally, we are
grateful for the support that we have received from Sunrise Medical through the
years. This support allowed DynaVox to grow significantly and touch the lives of
many more people challenged by speech and language disabilities."
Mayer-Johnson is the developer of the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), a popular,
comprehensive communication system used by children and adults with speech, language
and learning disabilities around the world. The company's software offerings include
BoardMaker, a flexible platform that can be used to create any symbol-based material,
and Speaking Dynamically Pro, a communication and instructional program that provides
interactive voice activities. Mayer-Johnson also supplies many instructional and
literacy tools used by individuals with special needs, and accessibility products
for those with physical disabilities. This slate of products complements the higher-tech,
more advanced communication devices and software produced by DynaVox.
"We are pleased and proud to be part of the DynaVox family," said Terry Johnson,
Mayer-Johnson's president and co-founder. "Mayer-Johnson and DynaVox are a great
fit because the companies serve the special needs community in different ways. Mayer-Johnson
produces computer software, hardware and books used by professionals and parents,
and DynaVox provides high-technology communication devices for AAC users."
Mayer-Johnson will function as a division of DynaVox Systems LLC and will maintain
operations and staffing in San Diego. Mr. Johnson will continue to lead ?ayer-Johnson's
operations. New responsibilities for Mr. Johnson and his team at Mayer-Johnson will
include working with the DynaVox management and research and development teams to
leverage Mayer-Johnson's products and capabilities within DynaVox. Roxie Johnson,
co-founder of Mayer-Johnson, will continue with the company in a consulting role.
In January of this year, DynaVox Systems LLC acquired Enkidu Research of Brookfield,
WI. Enkidu developed and distributed high-tech AAC products supported by aggressive
applied research efforts. Enkidu's operations have been successfully integrated
into DynaVox's operations, and company principles are continuing their work as part
of DynaVox's research and development team. The Enkidu and DynaVox product lines
currently exist as separate lines under the umbrella of DynaVox Systems LLC.
Vestar Capital Partners and Park Avenue Equity Partners are providing equity financing
for the transaction. Sunrise Medical Inc. will retain a meaningful stake in the
"new" DynaVox.
"We're delighted to be re-investing in Joe Swenson and the management team at DynaVox,"
said James L. Elrod, Jr., a managing director with Vestar and head of the firm's
healthcare investment group. "We look forward to the company's progress as the leading
provider of technology and products in the augmentative and alternative communication
market."
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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 Mayer-Johnson
Mayer-Johnson is the developer of the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), a comprehensive
symbol set used for communication displays and instructional purposes. The Company's
software products include BoardMaker, a flexible platform on which to create any
symbol-based material, and Speaking Dynamically Pro, a dynamic communication and
instructional software program. The Company's catalog contains a wide range of materials
for professionals working with people with disabilities. For more information about
Mayer-Johnson, visit: www.mayer-johnson.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading investment firm specializing in management
buyouts, recapitalizations and growth capital investments. Vestar's investment strategy
is targeted towards middle-market companies in the U.S. and Europe with valuations
in the $200 million to $2.5 billion range. Since the firm's founding in 1988, Vestar
has completed forty-five investments in co?panies with a total value exceeding $15
billion. These companies have varied in size and geography and span a broad range
of industries. Vestar's investments, past and present, include Birds Eye Foods,
Sheridan Healthcare, Essent Healthcare, St. John Knits, FL Selenia, Solo Cup, Montpelier
ReInsurance, Prestone Products, Sunrise Medical Inc. and SAB WABCO. Vestar currently
manages funds totaling approximately $4 billion and has offices in New York City,
Denver, Paris and Milan. More information about Vestar is available at: www.vestarcapital.com.
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