OREANDA-NEWS. July 22, 2011. PENTAX Lifecare, Hoya Corporation’s flexible endoscope business division announced today that it opened a legal entity and office in Shanghai, China on July 5. This will mark a significant advance into the Chinese medical equipment market.

 Mr. Chris Japp, global President of PENTAX Lifecare Division explained, “The tremendous healthcare opportunity in China together with advancing local medical technology and the acceleration of local scientific innovation are the most important reasons why we are so interested in investing in this country.” Commenting on the uniqueness of the healthcare market in China, Mr. Japp added, “The market is so huge and has so many kinds of hospitals. It’s not just standard segment, but advanced care too. It’s important for PENTAX Lifecare to really understand the needs of the China market, hospitals and Chinese patients.”

 Mr. Tom Kwan, Asia Pacific president of PENTAX Lifecare pledged support to advancing healthcare in China, “Given the central government’s medical reform plan, PENTAX Lifecare is committed to helping Chinese patients by improving service quality and high-end products through training and educational cooperation with hospitals and physicians.”

 This is the very first PENTAX Lifecare office in this rapidly growing market but is consistent with the company’s efforts to further globalize its operations. HOYA’s strategy is to invest in and globalize its medical field, betting on the future growth of healthcare and need for innovative medical devices around the world. Mr. Hiroshi Hamada, COO of HOYA, stated, “The number one reason for HOYA to acquire PENTAX was HOYA’s desire to shift its driver of growth to the medical domain by adding promising businesses.”

 To succeed in this domain PENTAX Lifecare has adjusted its mix of executives, employees and offices to better represent and address the global nature of the healthcare industry. Mr. Japp and other key international talent have been brought into the core management team, working out of Tokyo, the Americas, Europe and now China. The new Shanghai office represents not only a flagship presence in China but a regional headquarters for a new Asia Pacific team with all local managers and expanded investment.