Merger Signals a Stronger, More Expansive Product Portfolio for Company to Continue Leadership in Diagnostic Imaging Market

PRINCETON, N.J., April 01, 2008 - Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. - the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.pA, and part of the Bracco Group, announced today that it has finalized the acquisition of E-Z-EM, Inc., a major manufacturer of contrast agents for gastrointestinal radiology. This acquisition further positions the companies as innovative global leaders in diagnostic imaging and allows for significant growth opportunities as E-Z-EM complements Bracco's comprehensive repertoire of diagnostic imaging agents. The synergies among both companies' product portfolios, complementary customer bases and technical expertise will strengthen Bracco Diagnostics' position in the evolving field of imaging informatics and patient management.

For more than 80 years, the Bracco Group has provided the imaging world with contrast imaging agents and solutions to promote improved visualization, better patient care and cost-effectiveness for use in X-ray/computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. The merger of its U.S. subsidiary with E-Z-EM is part of Bracco's targeted strategy to better serve its customers by offering a broader set of clinical imaging solutions and expertise.

"We have been eagerly anticipating the completion of this acquisition,” said Carlo Medici, president and chief executive officer of Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. “The addition of E-Z-EM’s portfolio offerings will enable the Bracco family of companies to expand its product portfolio to encompass a full range of contrast media and medical devices for GI imaging, along with entry into the promising field of virtual colonoscopy. This merger will not only benefit our organization, but also our customers, patients and stockholders as the combined companies will allow us to further invest in innovative and superior diagnostic imaging solutions and clinical leadership."

About E-Z-EM

Headquartered in Lake Success, New York, and named to Forbes magazine's prestigious 2007 List of Best Small Companies in America, E-Z-EM is a recognized leader in manufacturing products for imaging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. From the first disposable barium enema administration kit introduced in 1962, to today's advanced CT and virtual colonoscopy (VC) products, speech pathology, GI devices and healthcare decontaminants, E-Z-EM continues to develop imaging solutions that provide superior methodology, procedural simplicity and added convenience for physicians and their patients.

The company is the developer of VoLumen®, a patent-pending low density barium sulfate suspension for use as an oral contrast in Multidetector CT and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies. It also offers Empower®, the first family of CT injectors on the market with patented technology to help detect contrast extravasation, and a complete product set for virtual colonoscopy practitioners, comprising virtual colonoscopy hardware, software, nutritional prep kits and bowel cleaners, tagging agents and a carbon dioxide colon insufflation system.

For E-Z-EM, acquisition by Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. is the culmination of a year-long process by the company's Board of Directors to identify the best alternative to create value for its customers, employees and shareholders.

About Bracco Imaging

Bracco Imaging SpA is one of the world leading companies in the imaging agent business, with products sold in over 80 countries and about 1,250 employees, around 300 of whom work in R&D, Medical and Regulatory Affairs. Bracco Imaging is headquartered in Milan, Italy.

Bracco Imaging is a subsidiary of Bracco SpA, holding company of the Bracco Group, which also markets Ethical and OTC pharmaceutical products and Healthcare Services in Italy, as well as Advanced Medical Technology systems on a worldwide basis, through the Bracco AMT companies, ACIST Medical Systems and Volume Interactions.

For more information, please go to www.bracco.com.

About Bracco

The Bracco Group is today a worldwide integrated Healthcare Group with annual turnover of about 900 million Euro - around 60% of which is from foreign sales and is one of the world-leading companies in the imaging agent business through Bracco Imaging SpA.

Bracco SpA, holding company of the Bracco Group, also markets Ethical and OTC pharmaceutical products and healthcare services in Italy, as well as Advanced Medical Technology systems on a world wide basis through the Bracco AMT companies, ACIST Medical Systems, based in Minneapolis, and Volume Interactions of Singapore.

Bracco is present in approximately 80 countries both directly and through joint-ventures or affiliates, and currently employs more than 2,300 people worldwide over 300 of which are dedicated to R&D, Medical and Regulatory Affairs.