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Zimmer has dropped a number of conditions since its pre-announced offer, including those concerning due diligence, tax related to Centerpulse's spin- off from Sulzer AG, and product recall litigation.

Zimmer's announcement represents the second formal offer to Centerpulse shareholders, following the offer launched by Smith & Nephew Group plc on April 25, 2003. Centerpulse's Board intends to make its report to shareholders on the Zimmer offer once it has had the opportunity to study the Zimmer offer in detail and in accordance with Swiss Takeover Law. In the meantime, shareholders are not required to take any action.

Max Link, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Centerpulse, said: "The Board remains committed to acting in the best interest of Centerpulse's shareholders, as well as for the future of the business and its employees. The Board acknowledges the professionalism and relentless dedication that Centerpulse employees are demonstrating during this challenging time."

Centerpulse's subsidiaries develop, produce, and distribute medical implants and biological materials for orthopedic, spinal and dental markets worldwide. The product array includes artificial joints, dental implants, spinal implants and instrumentation.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS UNDER THE U.S. PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. This release may contain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, projections of future performance and regulatory approvals, subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to change based on known risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other known and unknown risks and various other factors, which could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from the statements made herein.