Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (“the company”; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME / New York Stock Exchange: FMS), the world’s largest provider of dialysis products and services, has entered into a long-term, 10-year exclusive distribution agreement with Japanese-based Nikkiso Co. Ltd. for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis products in Japan. With this agreement, both companies aim to further expand their market share of dialysis products, particularly dialyzers and peritoneal dialysis products, in Japan by utilizing Fresenius Medical Care’s efficient manufacturing technologies while relying on Nikkiso’s strong domestic distribution network.

In addition, the company intends to expand its leadership in the Republic of Korea’s dialysis product market by acquiring Nikkiso Medical Korea Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikkiso Co. Ltd.

The acquired operations will add approximately $15 million in annual revenue and are expected to be accretive to earnings in the first year after closing of the transaction.

”The strategic alliance with Nikkiso will generate significant value to both parties in Japan and Korea, as each company is concentrating on its strengths in these markets,” said Roberto Fusté, Fresenius Medical Care’s chief executive officer for the Asia-Pacific region.

Background information on the dialysis market in Japan:With approximately 300,000 dialysis patients, Japan is the biggest dialysis market in the Asia-Pacific region. The patient growth rate is around 2%-3% p.a. In Japan, Fresenius Medical Care is active in the dialysis product business by means of its own sales and marketing channels as well as through distribution partners. The company also provides consulting services for dialysis clinics. However, it does not directly operate dialysis clinics in Japan due to legal restrictions.

Background information on the dialysis market in Korea:The Republic of Korea is a fast-growing market with a patient growth rate of 6%-7%. The number of patients requiring regular dialysis therapy is approximately 50,000. Fresenius Medical Care is the leading company in the Republic of Korea’s dialysis product market and, through its partnership with the Yeolin-Medical Foundation, is currently treating more than 850 patients in 16 dialysis clinics.