Stryker Completes Pivot Medical Acquisition - Analyst Blog

Stryker Corporation SYK has closed its acquisition deal of U.S.-based developer of hip arthroscopy products, Pivot Medical, Inc., announced last month. However, stock price fell 1.0% following the revelation of the closing of the all-cash deal as the acquisition is expected to be neutral to Stryker's 2014 earnings per share, excluding acquisition, integration-related and intangible amortization charges.

Pivot, a privately held business, sells products for hip arthroscopy with operating facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. It specializes in hip arthroscopy procedures treating femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI). Pivot's platform of instruments and implants provide efficient access to and restore mobility of the hip with minimal incisions.

Pivot's offerings are expected to complement Stryker's existing Sports Medicine portfolio and will provide Stryker's customers with more comprehensive solutions to address certain challenges faced during current Sports Medicine procedures.

Pivot is the latest addition to Stryker's acquisition spree. Last month, the company also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire German surgical tools firm, Berchtold Holding.

Berchtold, a privately-held business, is a provider of surgical infrastructure equipment with operating facilities in Germany and the U.S. The deal is also expected to be neutral to Stryker's 2014 earnings per share excluding acquisition, integration-related and intangible amortization charges.

Berchtold's product portfolio comprises surgical tables, equipment booms, and surgical lighting systems committed towards maximizing efficiency and safety in operating rooms and ICUs. Stryker will acquire Berchtold for an enterprise value of $172 million.

The Berchtold acquisition is expected to boost Stryker's fast growing endoscopy division and operating room equipment product portfolio by adding complementary solutions. The deal will allow Stryker to strengthen its portfolio and broaden its hospital product offerings.

In December last month, Stryker completed its acquisition of MAKO Surgical for $1.65 billion. The acquisition of MAKO allowed Stryker to get hold of the latter's advanced robotic arm technology known as Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, or RIO. The technology helps orthopedic surgeons in performing knee and hip joint replacement surgeries.

In Jan this year, Stryker also announced that it will buy Irvine, Calif.-based Patient Safety Technologies (PSTX) for $120 million in order to utilize Patient Safety's device to lessen the risk of surgical sponges being left in patients after surgery. Recently, the company settled a lawsuit over the impending deal where it has agreed to make additional disclosures to appease shareholders.

Stryker currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other players in the medical products industry which are currently worth a look include Enzymotec Ltd. ENZY with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and Covidien plc COV with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).