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 »

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 »