Philips acquires cardiology monitoring technology in takeover of Witt
Biomedical
14 March 2006
Philips will acquire Witt Biomedical Corporation, the largest independent
supplier of haemodynamic monitoring and clinical reporting systems used in
cardiology catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs). Subject to receipt of
regulatory approval, Philips will acquire Witt Biomedical for approximately
US$165 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter
of 2006.
Through this acquisition, both companies expect to benefit from being
able to offer customers an integrated suite of best-in-class technologies
for the Cath Lab department, leading to increased sales in cardiovascular
X-ray, cardiology picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and in
hemodynamic monitoring and reporting systems.
In hospital Cath Labs, heart patients undergo a catheterization
procedure, in which a small tube or catheter is inserted in an artery in the
arm or leg to reach the heart for diagnosis and treatment. With the growing
digitization of hospitals, cardiologists are increasingly demanding that
Cath Labs be fully integrated into a hospital’s IT infrastructure.
Haemodynamic monitors measure and monitor a patient’s ECG
(electrocardiogram), blood pressure and other vital signs associated with a
Cath Lab procedure. Clinical reporting systems record and document the
entire Cath Lab procedure.
Based on company estimates, Philips in 2005 held the number one global
position in cardiovascular X-ray and in cardiology PACS. In haemodynamic
monitoring and clinical reporting systems, Witt Biomedical was the largest
independent supplier in the United States in 2005, and was the number 2
supplier in the global market.
According to Witt Biomedical, the company’s unaudited results for 2005
were sales of approximately US$49 million — representing a growth in sales
of 18% over 2004, and an operating margin of 30%. Philips expects the
acquisition of Witt Biomedical to be margin accretive from 2008 onwards,
with initial margin dilution due to purchase accounting treatment. Upon
completion of the acquisition, Witt Biomedical will be integrated into the
Cardiovascular X-ray business unit within Philips’ Medical Systems Division.
“Through this latest acquisition, Philips is again partnering with a
best-in-class company with an outstanding customer approval rating. Witt
Biomedical is not only an exceptional company with an established track
record in developing innovative solutions for the Cath Lab – it’s also a
leader in its field. In 2005, the vendor reviewer KLAS ranked Witt
Biomedical number 1 in the haemodynamics and clinical reporting market,”
said Jouko Karvinen, CEO of Philips Medical Systems. “By merging Witt
Biomedical with Philips’ successful number one position in the
cardiovascular X-ray and cardiovascular PACS markets, we intend to obtain a
leading position in the growing market for fully integrated Cath Labs,” Mr.
Karvinen added.
Terence Witt, founder and CEO of Witt Biomedical said: “In the healthcare
industry, Philips is known for its high quality medical equipment and for
putting customers first – an approach we fully share. And with Philips’
global reach, there’s clearly an opportunity for Witt Biomedical to further
build on our presence beyond our base in North America.” Mr. Witt added: “We
believe this deal makes sense for our current and future customers, as we
combine our respective strengths in cardiology.”
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