Gaining public attention and investment for an emerging company

Minnesota-based ev3 Inc. is working on the cutting edge of medical technology. Its products, such as stents and balloon-angioplasty catheters, are increasingly used to treat vascular diseases and disorders around the world.

The company closed a $160 million initial public offering in June 2005, and shares were priced at $14. When ev3 emerged from the "quiet period" in July, management wanted to introduce the company to investors through the media.

Padilla Speer Beardsley led that effort by developing key messages, preparing the company's CEO for media interviews, and tailoring in-depth story angles to selected print and broadcast reporters.

The results were substantial stories in the Twin Cities' two large dailies and the influential Medical Device Daily. We also secured an interview for the CEO on "Mad Money," CBNC's fast-paced, irreverent investment program. The stock price rose from $13 on July 11 to $19.34 by the end of the month.