Q2:16 Results Defy Brexit and Other Uncertainties

You’ve seen the headlines: Global mergers and acquisitions slid in the first half of 2016, as did the combined value. The number of middle market deals completed in the second quarter fell to levels not seen since 2009. Buyers are walking away from targets that could be affected by sudden changes in tax regulations. It’s all thanks to Brexit and the U.S. presidential election. Then there’s the healthcare market. Deal volume actually increased compared with the previous quarter in 2016, and the same quarter a year ago. Deal volume for Q2:16 reached 396 announced transactions, up 11% versus Q1:16’s 358 deals, and 15% higher than last year’s 344 deals in the second quarter. For the first half... Read More »

Cells Sell…to GE At Least

GE Healthcare, a subsidiary of GE (NYSE:GE), recently announced that it had acquired a privately-held Sweden-based company, Biosafe Group SA, a developer, manufacturer and supplier of products for cell processing in the areas of adult stem cell banking. The combined biological, engineering and industrial capabilities should advance cell therapy and cellular immunotherapy GE’s interest in cellular research is not new. In January 2016, GE Ventures completed a $31.5 million co-investment with the Canadian government to create the BridGE@CCRM Cell Therapy Centre of Excellence in order to promote new technologies for the product of new cellular therapies in Toronto. Then, in April, GE Ventures... Read More »

Dentsply Sirona Picks Up MIS Implants

Just last September, Dentsply International (NASDAQ: XRAY) acquired Sirona Dental Systems (NASDAQ: SIRO) for $5.5 billion in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition added Sirona’s worldwide dental equipment business, which posted revenues of $1.15 billion (4.8x) on a trailing 12-month basis, and EBITDA of $280 million (19.8x). The transaction created the world’s largest maker of professional dental products and technologies, with net revenue of approximately $3.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA of more than $900 million on pro forma basis. Nine months later, the combined company, now known as Dentsply Sirona Inc., purchased the Israeli dental implant maker MIS Implants... Read More »

Medtronic Swoons over HeartWare

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) kept up its busy acquisition pace, notching its fifth deal in 2016. The target is HeartWare International (NASDAQ: HTWR), developer and maker of miniaturized implantable heart pumps or ventricular assist devices (VAD) for the treatment of advanced heart failure. Its lead product is the HVAD® System, featuring the world’s smallest full-support ventricular assist device. Medtronic will pay $58.00 per share in cash for all outstanding common stock in HeartWare, for a transaction value of $1.1 billion. This acquisition will expand Medtronic’s portfolio of diagnostic tools, therapies and services for patients suffering from heart failure. The transaction is... Read More »

Zimmer Biomet Bolsters Its Spine Business

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZBH) strengthened its spinal business with the $1.0 billion acquisition of LDR Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: LDRH). Founded in France in 2000, LDR designs and commercializes various surgical technologies for the treatment of patients suffering from spine disorders. Its primary product offerings are the Mobi-C cervical disc replacement (CDR) device and MIVo portfolio to support lumbar and cervical fusion procedures, both of which complement Zimmer Biomet’s current portfolio. The CDR segment is one of the fastest growing within the $10 billion spine industry. Combined, Zimmer Biomet and LDR create a differentiated and comprehensive Spine portfolio.... Read More »

Medtronic’s Surgical Strikes

The Irish medical device maker Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) announced two strategic investments on May 18. The first wasn’t an acquisition, but could be a precursor to one. The company agreed to buy 15  next-generation robotic spinal systems from Israel-based Mazor Robotics Ltd. In addition, Medtronic will purchase newly issued securities representing 4% of Mazor’s outstanding shares for $11.9 million, and will have the opportunity to buy another 6%, plus a further 5%, in future allotments. The two companies together will promote Mazor’s spinal system, which helps surgeons plan and execute surgeries. If the initial phase of the agreement meets expectations by the end of... Read More »