Stäfa (Switzerland), 30.09.2011 - Sonova Holding AG, the world's leading provider of hearing systems, announces today the internal transfer of Sona's activities into Unitron Hearing. This transfer will enhance the Unitron product portfolio and will support Unitron's overall positioning. The Group also announces a change in Unitron's senior management. Regarding its middle ear implant research project Sonova is considering the closure of the Phonak Acoustic Implants facility in Lonay, Switzerland.
Sonova has been marketing an innovative product and service concept under the Sona brand since November 2009. Sona is a unique solution from both a product and a business model perspective. It includes the world's first upgradeable hearing instrument, which has gained positive response in the market since business operations began in April 2010. Sona is present in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States to date.
Sonova will further develop this unique product and service concept for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, by integrating its Sona related activities into Unitron Hearing. "This transfer will further strengthen Sona and Unitron by providing more synergies in product and service development as well as in distribution. It is the next step to increase the impact of Sona's technology while making this innovative solution available to more customers around the globe", said Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of the Sonova Group. "Within Unitron Hearing, the Sona solutions will continue to be an important part of the innovative Sonova product portfolio." This transfer does not impact the sales or costs related to Sona, nor does it impact Sonova's sales or EBITA guidance for 2011/12.
Management Change at Unitron
To further strengthen and position Unitron as a strong brand of Sonova, the Group announces the appointment of Jan Metzdorff as new President of Unitron Hearing. Effective immediately, he will succeed Michael Tease, who is leaving Unitron Hearing to take on new professional and personal challenges outside the Group. Jan Metzdorff has been working in the hearing instrument industry for over 14 years and has managed several sales companies during his seven years with Sonova. Since April 2010, he has been responsible for Unitron's international sales development. "Jan Metzdorff has a profound knowledge of and experience in the hearing aid business and a proven track record," says Alexander Zschokke. "We are convinced that he is the right person to further develop Unitron's strong market position."
For more information about Unitron, visit https://unitron.com/content/unitron/us/ or the Unitron web channel on AudiologyOnline.
