Synthes Inc. : Synthes exempted from obligation to publish Annual Report 2011

Based on the pending merger between Synthes, Inc. (SIX: SYST.VX) and Johnson & Johnson, after the completion of which the Synthes shares will be delisted from the SIX Swiss Exchange, SIX Exchange Regulation has granted Synthes an exemption from its obligation to publish the Annual Report for the fiscal year 2011 according to art. 49 LR.

The exemption begins on April 30, 2012 and lasts until July 1, 2012.
Should Synthes' shares still be listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on July 2, 2012 or the merger between Synthes and Johnson & Johnson fail, Synthes will have to publish an Annual Report 2011 according to art. 49 LR and submit to SIX Exchange Regulation within three months.

Synthes is a leading global medical device company. We develop, produce and market instruments, implants and biomaterials for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and its soft tissues.

For further information please contact
Gilgian Eisner, Investor Relations
Phone +41 32 720 47 45, investor.relations@synthes.com

Restrictions Subject to U.S. Securities Law

The securities of Synthes have been offered and sold outside the United States and have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). Such securities may not be offered, sold or transferred in the U.S. or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the regulations of the Securities Act), except pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act or under an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. Hedging transactions involving such securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act. The Synthes securities are deemed "Restricted Securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.