ERLANGEN, GERMANY and LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2006 Siemens and Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC) announced today that they have entered into a merger agreement under which Siemens will acquire DPC for approximately $1.86 billion. DPC is one of the global leaders in immunodiagnostics, focusing on developing, manufacturing and distributing automated body fluid analyzers and tests, such as those related to cancer and cardiac disease, as well as hormone and allergy conditions. Through its presence in more than 100 countries, DPC offers comprehensive immunodiagnostic solutions to hospitals, clinics and laboratories across the globe.

In the merger, each shareholder of DPC will receive $58.50 (in cash) per share for each share of DPC stock then held, and DPC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. The completion of the merger is subject to approval by DPCs shareholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties anticipate that the shareholders meeting will be held in mid 2006. The Board of Directors of each company has approved the agreement.

Through this acquisition, Siemens Medical Solutions intends to expand its existing healthcare solutions portfolio and further the companys objective to enable early and specific diagnosis and individualized patient therapy. Siemens bridges the gap between in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostics and brings together a unique blend of expertise and technologies in diagnostic imaging, healthcare information technology (IT), molecular biology and biochemistry to drive and lead the advancement of personalized healthcare across the globe. The acquisition of DPC is a major milestone in the development of integrated, clinical workflow-oriented solutions that will improve the quality while increasing the efficiency of patient care.
We are impressed by DPCs track record in developing a globally leading immunodiagnostics business and by the quality of its people. The potential is huge to drive ground-breaking innovations by combining DPCs in-vitro diagnostics leadership with Siemens leading position in medical imaging and healthcare IT solutions, said Erich R. Reinhardt, president and CEO of Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI). Together, both companies will be empowered to continue to revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.

Founded in 1971, DPC is the world's leading independent producer of immunodiagnostic products. The companys diagnostic tests supply information vital to the detection and management of disease, including adrenal/pituitary dysfunction, allergy, anemia, bone metabolism disturbances, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and reproductive and thyroid disorders.

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