Align Technology has reached a mutual agreement with Straumann to terminate their distribution agreements for iTero intraoral scanners in Europe and North America, effective December 31, 2012.
The original exclusive distribution agreement in Europe was signed in December 2009 between Straumann and Cadent, the developer of iTero, which was subsequently acquired by Align in April 2011. A subsequent agreement was operationalized in February 2011, awarding Straumann nonexclusive distribution rights for iTero intraoral scanners in North America.
Align and Straumann have worked together over the past few years to build a sales, services, and support model for the iTero scanner to benefit both companies. However, the two companies have concluded that their current collaboration for distributing iTero scanners does not meet their strategic or financial requirements in the present economic environment, according to the companies. They will continue to collaborate on workflows incorporating intraoral scanning in the future.
Align has decided to market iTero on a more limited basis directly in Europe focusing on its existing Invisalign customers. Align will continue its direct sales of iTero scanners in North America where digital dentistry is evolving more rapidly, while pursuing global scanner potential on a more opportunistic basis.
Straumann will continue to offer first-level equipment support in Europe for at least the next 12 months, after which full responsibility for regional customer service will transfer to Align.
