Align Technology to acquire Cadent

San Jose, Calif.-Align Technology, Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Cadent Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry based in Carlstadt, NJ.

Cadent strengthens Align's ability to drive adoption of Invisalign by integrating Invisalign treatment more fully with mainstream tools and procedures in doctors' practices. Align belives the combination of the two companies will help accelerate the use of intraoral scanning in the dental industry by leveraging Align's global sales reach, extensive professional and consumer marketing capabilities and base of more than 55 thousand users.

According to iData Research, Inc., the growth rate for intraoral scanners will exceed 20% between 2010 and 2015. The acquisition of Cadent extends Align's strategic leverage by demonstrating the value of applications at chair-side that dramatically simplify and streamline treatment, and make the entire Invisalign procedure easier on the patient and more efficient for the practice. In addition, the use of digital technologies for restorative dentistry such as CAD/CAM or in-office restorations also has been growing rapidly and intraoral scanning is required to enable this. The acquisition of Cadent positions Align as a leader in one of the best growth opportunities in dentistry and medical devices today.

"We are excited about the opportunities for growth that Cadent provides, not only in terms of accelerating adoption of intraoral scanning among dental professionals but also in creating greater value for existing Invisalign users," said Thomas M. Prescott, Align Technology president and chief executive officer. "Cadent has a strong team of very talented people and a culture similar to ours with the drive, agility and speed necessary to continue delivering innovative solutions for our customers."

As an industry leader in digital optics and powder-less intraoral scanning, Cadent brings complimentary market knowledge and innovative technology in CAD/CAM restorative dentistry to Align, including capabilities in digital records storage and digital impressions for fabrication of crown and bridge, veneers, implants, and other restorative procedures. Like Align, Cadent also has strong expertise in advanced digital modeling, robust software development and integrated systems.

Cadent's portfolio of products and services for restorative dentistry and orthodontics includes the iTero and iOC intraoral scanners. Cadent's iTero technology provides dentists with a full range of restorative choices, flexibility to choose labs and fabrication processes, and control in providing the highest standard of care for their patients. Cadent's iOC technology, used primarily by orthodontists, ensures a more accurate first impression, enables high value clinical applications and a significantly better patient experience. Cadent also has a range of leading orthodontic services and products including OrthoCAD iQ, OrthoCAD iCast and OrthoCAD iRecord.

The acquisition of Cadent follows the January 2011 announcement of a joint development agreement between Align and Cadent to co-develop Invisalign software applications that will run on Cadent scanners. The acquisition builds on the development agreement by providing a dedicated digital scanning platform for delivering Invisalign chairside applications to dental practitioners and extends Align's presence into restorative dentistry. The combination of the two companies' market leading positions and technologies provides a significant opportunity to create growth and to build value for customers and shareholders.

As part of an ongoing program to evaluate interoperability of intraoral scanning systems for future use with Invisalign treatment, Align is in final beta tests with Cadent's systems and expects to announce interoperability for their scanners in the second quarter of 2011.

Under the terms of the agreement, Align will pay approximately $190 million in cash in exchange for all shares of Cadent. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions, including the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart Scott Rodino Act (HSR), and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2011.

About Align Technology Inc.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express, and Vivera Retainers. To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit invisalign.com.

About Cadent Inc.

Cadent is the leading provider of 3D digital CAD/CAM solutions for the orthodontic and dental industries. The Company services thousands of cases per day for a rapidly expanding customer base. Cadent's offerings, including Cadent iTero™, iOC™ powered by iTero™, OrthoCAD™ iCast™ and iQ™, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of orthodontic and dental treatments while increasing the revenue of dental healthcare providers. The Company is backed by a syndicate of leading venture capital investors including Fortissimo Capital, Apax Partners, Panorama Capital (JPMorgan Partners), IBT, STAR Ventures and SV Life Sciences. For additional information, please visit cadentinc.com.