NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2008--Piper Jaffray has hired Matt Miksic to broaden the investment research team's coverage of the medical technology sector. As a senior research analyst, Miksic will provide coverage of ophthalmology, orthopedics and diversified medical technology companies. He will be based in the firm's New York office.

Miksic joins Piper Jaffray from Morgan Stanley where he was a senior research analyst covering the medical technology and hospital supply sectors. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he gained experience as a senior manager in the business consulting division at Arthur Andersen and also spent five years with a software start-up company. Miksic earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.

"Matt's addition to the investment research team will allow us to continue providing quality investment recommendations and independent research in the medical technology sector," said Steve Buell, head of investment research at Piper Jaffray. "With his proven track record, we are well-positioned for broadening our expertise and building on our leading health care research franchise."

Miksic has provided primary coverage for several high-profile medical technology companies, including Beckman Coulter, Biomet, Dade Behring, Hospira, Integra LifeSciences, Kyphon, LifeCell, NuVasive, Respironics, Stryker and Zimmer.

About Piper Jaffray

Piper Jaffray Companies is a leading, international middle-market investment bank and institutional securities firm, serving the needs of middle-market corporations, private equity groups, public entities, nonprofit clients and institutional investors. Founded in 1895, Piper Jaffray provides a comprehensive set of products and services, including equity and debt capital markets products; public finance services; mergers and acquisitions advisory services; high-yield and structured products; institutional equity and fixed-income sales and trading; and equity and high-yield research. With headquarters in Minneapolis, Piper Jaffray has 25 offices across the United States and international locations in London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Piper Jaffray & Co. is the firm's principal operating subsidiary. (NYSE: PJC) (http://www.piperjaffray.com)

Since 1895. Member SIPC and FINRA.

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SOURCE: Piper Jaffray Companies