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 »

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 »
J&J Slices Its Medical Device Division

J&J Slices Its Medical Device Division

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced the restructuring of its medical devices business on January 19, 2016. Its 8K filing noted pre-tax restructuring charges of $2.0 billion to $2.4 billion, expected to be incurred this year, as well as a Q4:15 charge of approximately $600 million. About 4% to 6% of the division’s global workforce will get walking papers over the next two years, resulting in a $500 million charge for severance. On a more upbeat note, JNJ expects to see annualized pre-tax cost savings of $800 million to $1.0 billion. This move comes as the market for medical devices has slowed, particularly in the United States. As one of many cost-cutting measures, U.S.... Read More »

Medtronic Leads Medical Device M&A in 2015

The Medical Device sector has experienced some ups and down, as M&A goes. Last year, the sector posted 111 transactions and $85.6 billion in spending, which was an 8% and 620% improvement, respectively, over 2013’s performance. This year doesn’t look like a knock-out year for spending, with a sector total of just $36.2 billion as of November 20. Deal volume could still reach last year’s levels, since it stands at 103 deals as of that date. Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) has been the busiest acquirer by far, with 10 deals announced. Seven of those disclosed prices, totaling $1.25 billion through November 20. Here’s our list of the top Medical Device deals to date.... Read More »