Health & Fitness
Mon, November 21, 2011
DUBLIN--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products and a world leader in advanced energy-based devices, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire B'RRX Medical, Inc. B'RRX is the leader in treatment of Barrettas esophagus syndrome using bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.
"B'RRX Medical products and technology complement our current portfolio of energy-based products and will broaden our presence in the global gastrointestinal market"
Covidien will acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of B'RRX, a private company, for approximately $325 million, with future earn out payments possible based on achievement of specific milestones. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed by January 31, 2012.
This acquisition is consistent with Covidienas strategy to expand into adjacencies and invest in product categories where it can develop a global competitive advantage. The acquisition of B'RRX will expand Covidienas ability to treat gastrointestinal diseases, such as Barrettas esophagus.
Barrettas esophagus syndrome is a precancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus, often a precursor to esophageal cancer and often the result of gastro esophageal reflux disease. Left untreated, Barrettas can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer with less than 15% five-year survival. B'RRXas HALO90, HALO90 ULTRA and HALO360+ ablation catheters, driven by the HALOFLEX ablation system, provide a uniform and controlled ablation effect that removes diseased tissue and allows re-growth of normal cells.
aB'RRX Medical products and technology complement our current portfolio of energy-based products and will broaden our presence in the global gastrointestinal market,a said Bryan Hanson, Group President, Surgical Solutions. aAt the same time, patients will benefit from advances in RF technologies that will change the standard of care for esophageal diseases from invasive surgery to therapeutic intervention. Covidien offers advantages to B'RRX Medical that support its mission in long-term growth and value to patients. We expect to leverage B'RRX technology and capabilities as a platform to accelerate global expansion.a
aWe are extremely pleased that Covidien has elected to acquire B'RRX, as this should allow us to accelerate the worldwide adoption of our evidence-based endoscopic therapy for patients with Barrettas esophagus,a said Greg Barrett, President and CEO, B'RRX Medical. aDozens of clinical trials and over 65 peer-reviewed publications have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of our devices for treating esophageal disease, and over 90,000 procedures have been performed. We look forward to this acquisition to enable the clinical trial evaluation of the HALO system in other portions of the gastrointestinal tract as well.a
Assuming a January 2012 closing, Covidien does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on its fiscal 2012 sales, operating margin or earnings per share.
Once the transaction has been completed, Covidien will report the B'RRX Medical business as part of its Energy product line in the Medical Devices segment.
Supporting materials are now available on the Investor Relations section of Covidienas website: [ http://investor.covidien.com ]
ABOUT COVIDIEN
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2011 revenue of $11.6 billion, Covidien has 41,000 employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit [ http://www.covidien.com ] to learn more about our business.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking information about Covidienas proposed acquisition of B'RRX Medical, Inc., the timing of the anticipated transaction, the potential benefits of the anticipated transaction, BARRXas clinical trials, products and product candidates and the potential benefits of such products and product candidates, and expected dilutive effect. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on Covidienas and B'RRXas managementas current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the satisfaction of conditions to closing the agreement; the ability to successfully integrate B'RRXas operations and programs with Covidienas and the time and resources required to do so, the uncertainties inherent in commercial, research and development activities, decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve any applications for such product candidates and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such product candidates; and competitive developments. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in Covidienas and B'RRXas filings with the SEC. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.
