UPDATE 1-Nobel Biocare strikes deal with Japan's Noritake

* Shares rise 2.3 percent, ouperform index

(Adds details on partnership deal, analyst comment, shares)

ZURICH, Feb 23, 2010 (Reuters) - Swiss dental implant maker Nobel Biocare (NOBN.VX) is teaming up with Japanese supplier of prosthetic materials Noritake Dental (5331.T) to help broaden its product range.

Nobel Biocare has also recently struck deals with Ivoclar Vivadent and VITA Zahnrfabrik in its bid to boost its position as market leader in computer-aided design and manufacturing in dentistry, an area that is driving tooth restoration business.

"The collaboration with Noritake will complement Nobel Biocare's recent launch of a new scanner, software, broad range of new prosthetic products and materials," Nobel Biocare, the world's largest maker of dental implants, said in a statement on Tuesday.

At 1016 GMT, shares in the group were trading 2.3 percent higher at 28.66 Swiss francs, outperforming a flat DJ Stoxx European healthcare index .SXDP.

Nobel Biocare's NobelProcera range accounts for around 15 percent of group sales, and the recently launched scanners, software and materials are expected to bolster growth at the group in 2010.

"We believe the immediate impact of these non-exclusive collaborations is the additional breadth of materials on offer, thereby following the local preference for the dentist and technician community," said Kepler Capital Markets analyst Florian Gaiser.

But Gaiser cautioned the advantages of these deals may take some time to emerge. (Reporting by Katie Reid, editing by Will Waterman)

Move to broaden Nobel Biocare's product range