Biomet today announced it received a federal jury subpoena issued by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding possible violations of antitrust laws.

Biomet's announcement comes days after Zimmer's notification of receiving a similar subpoena. Both subpoenas request documentation from January 2001 through the present related to the sale of orthopedic implant devices.

Greg Sasso, Biomet's vice president, corporate development and communications, said the company did not know why the subpoena had been issued but planned on fully cooperating with the Department of Justice.

Sasso said any possibility that this subpoena could be linked to a similar 2005 investigation was "pure speculation."

In April 2005, Biomet, along with other orthopedic companies, including Zimmer and DePuy, received a subpoena relating to consulting and service agreements with orthopedic surgeons considering using company products.

Brad Bishop, Zimmer public affairs officer, also said the current court document issued to Zimmer came from a different branch of the Justice Department compared to the subpoena issued last year.

Biomet's current subpoena was announced via press release before the New York Stock Exchange opened today. Zimmer announced receiving their subpoena late last week.

Neither Bishop nor Sasso said when the requested documents were due at the Justice Department.

Biomet's shares today slid $1.81 to $33.17 in early morning trading. Zimmer stock dropped $4.96 to $58.07. [[In-content Ad]]