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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6 K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
EDAP TMS S.A. Files
Press release on Management Succession Plan
December 19, 2006
EDAP TMS S.A.
Parc Activite La Poudrette Lamartine
4/6 Rue du Dauphine
69120 Vaulx-en-Velin - France
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes [ ] No [X]
This report on Form 6-K with respect to the Management Succession Plan, is
hereby incorporated by reference in the registration statement of EDAP TMS S.A.
on Form F-3, file number 333-136811.
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EDAP ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION PLAN, BOARD APPOINTMENT;
MARC OCZACHOWSKI TO ASSUME CEO ROLE;
HUGUES DE BANTEL TO JOIN BOARD WITH FOCUS ON FRENCH AND US PROGRAMS
LYON, France, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EDAP TMS S.A. (Nasdaq:
EDAP), the global leader in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment
of prostate cancer, announces the appointment of Chief Operating Officer Marc
Oczachowski to the post of Chief Executive Officer. Hugues de Bantel will leave
his post as CEO to pursue personal interests but will join the company's Board
of Directors to assist with strategic programs. The CEO transition and Board
appointment will take effect on March 31, 2007, allowing for a smooth
transition.
EDAP Chairman Philippe Chauveau stated, "We are pleased to announce a direct
and smooth succession program for EDAP's senior management team. As Chief
Operating Officer, Marc Oczachowski oversaw a significant gain in cost controls
and most recently directed the launch of our successful and growing marketing
efforts bringing Ablatherm-HIFU to the forefront of prostate cancer care in
Europe. He is also the chief driver of our industry leading RPP program. I will
be pleased to welcome Hugues de Bantel to the Board of Directors for EDAP TMS
where he will continue to serve shareholders. This elevation to the Board will
reflect his success as CEO as well as provide for expertise in key programs such
as entering the US market and securing French reimbursement."
Oczachowski joined EDAP in 1997 as Area Sales Manager, based in Lyon,
France. From March 2001 to January 2004, he successfully developed EDAP's
position in Asia as General Manager for Southeast Asia. He was appointed COO in
November 2004. Previously he worked for Sodem Systems, a worldwide leader in
orthopedics devices, and is a graduate of Institut Commercial de Lyon, France.
Oczachowski stated, "I am ready to step into the Chief Executive role to
drive our strategic plan to expand the HIFU business in key European countries
where growth is expected and already occurring. I am pleased Hugues is committed
to supporting the Company at the Board level on strategic issues. Also, with
Eric Soyer joining the top management team, we will successfully execute the
strategy while increasing EDAP's visibility for investors and shareholders."
"I have enjoyed leading EDAP as its CEO very much for these past years,"
said de Bantel. "I am pleased to be offered a seat at the Board as it provides
me the opportunity to share my experience in the business. I am fully in line
with the Board's strategy to focus on expanding the HIFU business in key
European growing countries, while strongly addressing strategic items such as US
market entry and reimbursement."
The CEO and Board succession complements the recently announced appointment
of Eric Soyer to Chief Financial Officer to address EDAP's multinational growth
programs. The company is also adding sales positions in key countries
experiencing rapid growth in Ablatherm-HIFU interest as recently announced.
Eric Soyer commented, "I am very excited about the potential of EDAP and the
opportunity to assist Marc in developing EDAP's business and visibility. EDAP is
today well capitalized to invest in the growth programs necessary to make HIFU a
new standard in prostate cancer care based on proven outcomes. I look forward to
liaising regularly with our shareholders and investors as we report our progress
as the leading provider of HIFU for prostate cancer."
About EDAP TMS S.A.
EDAP TMS S.A. develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and
clinically proven choice for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment
of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive
and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects.
Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate
cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an
alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. The
company is also developing this technology for the potential treatment of
certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS S.A. also produces and commercializes
medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using Extra-corporeal
Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
For more information on the Company, contact Halliburton Investor
Relations at (972) 458-8000, the Corporate Investor Relations Dept at
+33 (0)4 78 26 40 46 or see the Company's Web sites at http://www.edap-tms.com
and http://www.hifu-planet.com .
In addition to historical information, this press release contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include
statements regarding the Company's growth and expansion plans. Such statements
are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of
uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those described in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause
such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ablatherm-HIFU
treatment is in clinical trials but not yet FDA approved or marketed in the
United States.
CONTACT: EDAP TMS S.A. Halliburton Investor Relations
Blandine Confort Matt Kreps
+33 4 78 26 40 46 972 458 800
SOURCE EDAP TMS S.A.
-0- 12/19/2006
/CONTACT: Blandine Confort of EDAP TMS S.A., +33-4-78-26-40-46; or Matt
Kreps of Halliburton Investor Relations, +1-972-458-8000, for EDAP TMS S.A./
/Web site: http://www.edap-tms.com
http://www.hifu-planet.com /
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: December 19, 2006
EDAP TMS S.A.
/S/ HUGUES DE BANTEL
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HUGUES DE BANTEL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER