We expect the telecommunications market to experience some softness due to ongoing issues with capital availability. Despite this, fiber remains a growth area. Since filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2000, Premier has been divesting assets and seeking a white knight. Last September Pro-Laser signed a letter of intent to acquire EyeSys, and in October, the company signed a letter of intent to merge with Premier. Apparently the shine has worn off the deal.
Skin treatment is all the rage in medical laser circles.
The companies are currently renegotiating the deal, but according to president and CEO Jeff O'Donnell, PhotoMedex is focusing on the psoriasis opportunity. Just as in private industry, policy is long term, but practice is often more short term, and the commitment to change in federal support will not be felt significantly until after the first year of the new administration. For 10 years EDFAs have been dominant. Now you've got Raman coming in on the high end, really upsetting things. Geographically speaking, the North American markets are doing well, says Hausken, but non-United States markets present tremendous opportunity.