Coherent Exits HeNe Business

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 3, 2006 -- Coherent Inc. announced it will stop marketing Melles Griot helium-neon (HeNe) lasers under its name effective April 3, following an eight-year distribution agreement.

"We’ve been happy to private label these products; however, we’ve decided to focus on non-HeNe products such as our direct diode, diode-pumped solid-state and optically pumped semiconductor products," said Paul Sechrist, vice president of Components Business Management at Coherent. "These products, offering wavelengths from the ultraviolet, visible to near-IR, continue to offer compelling solutions for our customers."

Melles Griot will honor current contracts and support for new and existing HeNe lasers, Coherent said. The last HeNe shipments from Coherent are expected to be made on March 31. Coherent said it will work with its current customers to facilitate the transition.

For more information, visit: www.coherent.com