Acquisition Expands 3M’s Infection Prevention Product Offerings

3M Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M, announced today it has acquired Les Entreprises Solumed Inc., a Quebec-based developer and marketer of leading-edge medical products designed to prevent infections in operating rooms and hospitals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Solumed brings a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and alcohol-based line of products to 3M’s already robust core offering for infection prevention. “The addition of Solumed positions 3M for growth in the fast-growing segment of intravenous (IV) site care and in preoperative care and hand hygiene, where CHG-based products are gaining momentum,” said Chuck Kummeth, vice president and general manager, 3M Medical Division.

Solumed’s products such as antiseptic wipes and swabsticks, along with surgical scrub brush-sponges and antiseptic gels, complement 3M’s existing line of trusted health care products intended to improve patient skin health and help reduce the risk of infection in patients and health care workers. These products from 3M provide cost-effective solutions and are supported by educational services, professional and technical support, as well as ongoing research and development.

“The acquisition of Solumed will enhance our local presence, expand our business and help us to better address our customers’ emerging needs in these markets,” said Jim McSheffrey, president and general manager, 3M Canada.

Solumed employs approximately 25 people and will remain in Quebec as a separate subsidiary of 3M Canada. Complementary acquisitions such as this support 3M’s core business in infection prevention.

About Les Entreprises Solumed Inc.

Founded in 1990, Les Entreprises Solumed Inc. is a Canadian company that develops and markets skin asepsis (infection prevention) products intended for intravenous therapy, preoperative care, operating room care, home care and hand hygiene. Solumed’s products are available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company’s head office is located in Laval, just north of Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

3MDonna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646orInvestor Contacts:Matt Ginter, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807