Swiss-based, privately held consumer goods company with U.S. headquarters in Colorado announces its acquisition. New officers plan no immediate changes to business or brand strategy within U.S. distribution channels.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - Similasan Corporation today announced the acquisition of its Swiss-based parent company, Similasan AG, by Swiss entrepreneur, Hansruedi Juestrich, owner of Nahrin AG, a leading international manufacturer and distributor of natural food products, food supplements and cosmetics headquartered in Switzerland. Similasan Corporation is an importer, distributor, and marketer of the Similasan brand eye, ear, and nasal products, which are manufactured by Similasan AG in Jonen, Switzerland. The brand is sold nationally in the drug, food, mass, and natural channels. Similasan Corporation also distributes and markets a line of domestically manufactured cold and flu products under the brand name Healthy Relief. The new ownership plans no immediate changes to the U.S. business structure or brand strategy.

"Similasan's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Switzerland, its high-quality natural products, its worldwide brand equity, and its growth potential are what ultimately made this company an attractive investment," says the new board chairman of Similasan AG, Michel Juestrich, who is also the son of Hansruedi Juestrich. "In the U.S., Similasan products are highly appreciated by consumers, and the brand has gained tremendous acceptance among our retail partners in the last decade. We intend to continue building on past success and growing our brand via continued consumer marketing support and product launches."

"The Similasan group was a natural fit for our portfolio of family-owned companies," continues Juestrich. "We believe in offering healthy products that benefit the entire body - both inside and out - without harsh chemicals preservatives, or side effects."

From 1987 through 2000, Similasan Dry Eye Relief and Allergy Eye Relief eye drops sold nationally at independent drug stores, regional drug chains, natural health stores, and offices of eye care professionals. In 2000, these two items - in addition to a new product called Similasan Earache Relief - were introduced simultaneously to the national drug, mass merchandise, and grocery channels. Similasan Earache Relief was a first-to-market, over the counter product for ear pain, and within one year became a top seller in the ear care category nationally. Today the product still enjoys a category leadership position.*

In the eye care category, Similasan eye drops are one of the fastest growing brands in the U.S. Within the last five years, the company has launched Similasan Cataract Care eye drops, Similasan Pink Eye Relief eye drops, and Similasan Stye Eye Relief eye drops. These launches - coupled with continuous growth and acceptance of its debut SKUs - have propelled Similasan into a top-ten category position.*

"We are pleased to work with new ownership that understands our brand and our current go-to-market strategies," says Similasan's U.S. vice president of sales, Dan Quail. "We continue to see a bright future for the Similasan group of companies both here and abroad."

For more information about Similasan Corporation and its products, visit www.SimilasanUSA.com. For information about the Similasan brand in Canada and abroad, visit www.Similasan.com.

* Sources: AC Nielsen, and Information Resources, Inc.