European Medical Device Market Expected to Grow by 9% in 2008, Reflecting Aging Populations and Increased Spending on Healthcare Technologies

Europe´s medical device manufacturing market, the second-largest
market for medical devices globally, is expected to continue its
expansion and grow by 9% in 2008, according to an October 2007
forecast by the International Trade Administration (US Department of
Commerce), as a result of aging populations and increased spending on
healthcare technologies. Canon Communications, the leading publisher,
trade show producer, and digital media company for the world´s USD$3
trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry, operates
12 trade shows in Europe for the medical device and allied advanced
manufacturing technology sectors.

"Outpacing automotive and other leading advanced manufacturing
industries in Europe, the market for medical device manufacturing has
continued to sustain impressive growth in 2007," said Kevin O´Keefe,
Senior Vice-President for Canon´s Events Division. "Annual medical
devices output in 2007 was EUR 71 billion. Looking ahead to 2008," he
added, "the factors of an increasingly affluent and aging population
together with the recent accession of more fast-developing, former
East European states into the EU, ensures that medical device
production will continue to demonstrate strong growth."

Mark Temple-Smith, Canon´s Event Director for Europe and Asia,
noted that one strong indication of the continued vitality of the
European medical device manufacturing market can be seen in the
company´s MEDTEC shows in the UK, Ireland, and Germany, which saw
exhibitor participation and visitor attendance increase by 25% and
12%, respectively, in 2007.

O´Keefe added, "We are seeing similar very positive growth in our
North American and Asian MEDTEC shows, including the newly introduced
MEDTEC Japan debuting in 2009, reflecting global demand for
sophisticated medical devices. At the same time, our strategy of
locating our medical technology events in the centre of key regional
manufacturing hubs within Europe and of co-locating them alongside
other allied but otherwise non-medical events means that we can offer
exhibitors a far greater return on their investment and visitors a
much more fulfilling visitor experience. It´s a unique position to be
in."

Further information about Canon´s business-to-business
publications, trade shows, and digital media is available at
www.cancom.com.