EXHIBIT (a)(1)(I)
ANTITRUST WAITING PERIOD ENDS FOR ORATEC TENDER OFFER
LONDON, United Kingdom, March 13, 2002 - Smith & Nephew today announced that the
Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period applicable to Smith & Nephew's tender offer for
all outstanding shares of common stock of ORATEC Interventions, Inc. (NASDAQ:
OTEC) has expired. The tender offer is being made pursuant to an agreement and
plan of merger dated February 13, 2002. The tender offer will expire at 12:00
Midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, March 21, 2002, unless the offer is
extended.
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray is the dealer manager for the tender offer, American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the depositary and Morrow & Co., Inc. is the
information agent.
Enquiries:
Morrow & Co., Inc. Information Agents
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Banks & Brokers: In US - (800) 654-2468
Outside US - (212) 754-8000
Stockholders: In US - (800) 607-0088
Outside US - (212) 754-8000
e-mail: ORATEC.info@morrowco.com
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About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew plc, (London Stock Exchange: SN), (NYSE: SNN), is a global
advanced medical devices company with a highly successful track record in
developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide variety of innovative and
technologically advanced tissue repair products. These products are primarily in
the areas of bone, joints, skin and other soft tissue. Smith & Nephew has
extensive marketing and distribution capabilities, with established sales in
more than 90 countries. For further information, visit Smith & Nephew's Web site
at www.smith-nephew.com.
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (www.endoscopy1.com) is one of its major businesses,
and is a world leader in the development and commercialization of endoscopic
techniques. Within endoscopy, Smith & Nephew is the recognized world leader in
arthroscopy (endoscopic procedures performed on articulating joints).
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