"The acquisition of the Guardian line marks a significant step forward inthe growth and value-added development of our Durable Medical Equipmentdivision," said Dave Jacobs, president, Medline Durable Medical Equipmentdivision. "Guardian has a long-standing reputation for excellence andinnovation in the healthcare industry and we are very pleased to have theopportunity to build on that tradition. In addition to bolstering ourcompetitive position in the marketplace, the acquisition of this highlyrespected brand expands the range of products, services and value we canoffer our customers."

Medline is one of the largest providers of durable medical equipment --such as homecare beds, walking aids, bath safety, aids for daily living andbariatric products -- to the hospital, home care and long-term careindustries. The Guardian brand acquisition broadens Medline's portfolio ofmobility products, which currently includes crutches, walkers, wheelchairs,bedside commodes and bath safety products, which are distributed throughdrugstores, home centers, department stores and specialty retailers.

About Medline

Medline, headquartered in Mundelein, IL, manufactures and distributes morethan 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgerycenters, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Total revenuefor Medline in 2007 exceeded $2.86 billion. Meeting national andinternational quality standards, Medline is FDA QSR compliant and ISO 13485certified. Medline serves on major industry quality committees to developguidelines and standards for medical product use, including the FDA MidwestSteering Committee, AAMI Sterilization and Packaging Committee, and variousASTM committees. For more information on Medline, visit our Web site,www.medline.com.