US court confirms fairness of settlement (09/05/2002, Media Release) US District Court Judge Kathleen O’Malley has granted the parties final approval of the settlement regarding the hip and knee lawsuits. The District Court Judge decided that the settlement is fair, appropriate and reasonable. Judge O’Malley also ruled that the opt-out period will end on May 15. After the end of the opt-out period, Sulzer Medica Ltd will have a period of five business days to give its final approval to the settlement. If then approved, Sulzer Ltd will have no further financial risks. In particular, Sulzer Ltd will have no further risks relating to patients who opt out of the settlement, since Sulzer Medica had earlier expressly agreed to indemnify and hold Sulzer harmless for all remaining risks. back