Danbury, CT and Orangeburg, N.Y., May 11, 2004 - GE Healthcare Financial Services, a unit of GE Commercial Finance, signed a vendor financing agreement with PENTAX Medical Company, a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.- the second largest endoscopic equipment manufacturing company in the world. Under the four-year agreement, GE Healthcare Financial Services will offer its full range of equipment financing options to PENTAX customers, which include operating and capital leases, loans and customized financing programs.

"The combination of GE's extensive healthcare solutions, technology, financial strength, and knowledge reaffirmed that the company was the right provider to take PENTAX to new levels of performance and success," said David Woods, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PENTAX Medical Company. "Working together, we will now offer turn-key financing programs that help us better meet the individualized needs of our customers by providing broad financing and service offerings."

"We are committed to providing financing that supports our customers' business objectives," said Jamie Gioia, General Manager of Global Vendor Finance for GE Healthcare Financial Services. "Our history in healthcare financing gives us the experience necessary to develop broad-based, impactful financial products and services. Add that to our financial strength, and GE Healthcare Financial Services is in a solid position to build the right financing solutions for PENTAX and its customers."

GE Healthcare Financial Services, a unit of GE Commercial Finance, is the premier provider of capital, financial solutions and related services for the global healthcare market. With $13 billion in assets, GE Healthcare Financial Services offers a full range of financing capabilities from equipment leasing and real estate financing to working capital lending, vendor programs and acquisition financing. With a dedicated focus and a deep knowledge of the healthcare industry, GE Healthcare Financial Services collaborates with customers to create tailored financial solutions that help them improve their productivity and profitability. For more information, visit .

PENTAX is an industry leader that specializes in the development and manufacturing of video and fiber endoscopy equipment and computer technology/imaging products for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research applications. PENTAX offers a full range of endoscopes, accessories, carts, computers & computer software programs, video equipment, and Motion Picture Studio (MPS) for data management. Their primary market encompasses hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician practices, and their services include multi-vendor technology platforms, ergonomic lab design, maintenance contracts, partnership programs, software training, scope reprocessing seminars, and CEU accredited training courses for GI nurses. Recent innovations include the first all-electronic radial array ultrasound scope, Motion Picture Studio (MPS) image technology for data management, and advances in unsedated transnasal scope technology for the GI & ENT markets. PENTAX works closely with its customers and industry Thought Leaders to develop cutting-edge technology that offers the opportunity for more efficient patient outcomes. The PENTAX Web site is www.pentaxmedical.com.

Media Contacts

Deia Campanelli
GE Healthcare Financial Services
312-441-6169

Cindy Corsaro
PENTAX Medical Company, Inc.
201-571-2300
ccorsaro@pentaxmedical.com