GN Store Nord — Capital/Financing Update 2012

Nov 14, 2012

Copenhagen, 2012-11-14 14:34 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, GN Store Nord has
entered into an agreement with 3DM Systems, a US based company, which has
succeeded in developing a truly innovative and unique ear scanner technology.
The technology is at an advanced stage, as documented by user tests, and ready
to be implemented in a final device. With the agreement, GN Store Nord has
acquired the exclusive, perpetual and global rights to manufacture and sell the
technology in the hearing aid industry. The investment is made as a part of GN
Store Nord’s exploratory research projects aiming at discovering potential new
business opportunities.

The new ear scanner technology will enable a precise electronic three
dimensional impression of the ear. The scan is conducted within a few minutes
by the dispenser and can immediately be emailed to the relevant hearing aid
manufacturer or ear mold lab. The solution is a significant improvement of the
current practice in the industry with obvious benefits for end users,
dispensers and manufacturers.

Today’s most common solution entails a silicone impression of the patient’s ear
followed by physical shipment to the manufacturer or ear mold lab that scans
the impression in a table-top scanner. The 3DM technology will allow the
dispenser to obtain a precise image of the ear – from deep in the ear canal to
the outer ear. Accurate measurement of the ear canal offers end users benefits
due to superior fit and quality of the final hearing aid while at the same time
avoiding discomfort from the silicone impression. For the dispenser, the new
technology reduces remakes and returns and saves considerable overall fitting,
shipping and order handling time.

Lars Viksmoen, member of the Executive Management in GN Store Nord and CEO of
GN ReSound, says: “This new breakthrough technology will offer an important
innovation of the hearing solutions provided by GN. The investment underlines
GN’s commitment to provide unique and innovative solutions with real user
benefits to the market. Replacing silicone impressions with three dimensional
scanning is an old dream in the hearing care industry. With this new technology
the dream is about to come true. The benefits of the ear scanning will be
offered to all dispensers as well as all hearing aid and ear mold manufacturers
for the benefit of hearing impaired people around the world.”

The initial acquisition price amounts to USD 12 million with potential
additional performance based fees once the product is launched. The investment
does not impact the financial guidance for 2012.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Bjergby

Director - IR, Communications, CSR & Treasury

GN Store Nord A/S

Tel: +45 45 75 02 92