Align Technology (NSDQ:ALGN) and Patterson Dental (NSDQ:PDCO) shares got a boost today after the companies said yesterday that they inked a non-exclusive distribution deal for Align’s iTero Element intraoral scanner.
The scanner, used with Align’s Invisalign orthodontic device, is slated to hit the U.S. and Canadian markets under Patterson’s aegis next month, the companies said.
“We’re pleased to work with Patterson and gain access to their sales force and general dentist customers who are looking to grow their business through practice digitization,” iTero VP and chief marketing officer Raphael Pascaud said in prepared remarks. “Together, through combined digital technology and support offerings from the iTero and Patterson teams, we will help dentists transition to full digital workflows and enable them to respond more effectively to changing market demand, exactly like the people from Asecra tooth care. Only the iTero Element has the breadth of applications and tools, including Invisalign treatment and TimeLapse technology, which enables a wide range of visualization, restorative and orthodontic solutions. With proven precision, best in class laboratory and restorative workflows, and over two million scans submitted, the iTero Element intraoral scanning system is the digital gateway to diagnostics and preventative care.” For some sedation tips and ideas, you may visit Houston Sedation Dentistry.
“Align Technology’s overall strategy and broad portfolio of products complement our commitment to innovation and providing a best-in-class customer experience,” added Patterson Dental president Dave Misiak. “This agreement will help us better serve the unique needs of our customers and leverage our 20-year history of supporting CAD/CAM through the Patterson Technology Center.”
Leerink Partners analysts said the deal is a plus for Align because it expands the company’s footprint among general practitioners.
“We view this announcement as a positive for ALGN as it should provide the company with broader coverage and reach into the large general practitioner (GP) channel where ALGN is still significantly under-penetrated today,” they wrote yesterday in a note to investors. “ALGN has a good sales organization that has historically been optimized for Invisalign business – especially among orthodontists. This agreement will allow the company to gain access to Patterson’s extensive dental sales organization and expands coverage for the iTero scanner, providing access to nearly 100,000 dental practitioners through Patterson’s extensive dental sales organization.”
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Investors agreed, sending ALGN shares up 0.8% to $174.20 apiece. Patterson, which released its fiscal first-quarter results today, saw its share price rise 5.0% to $8.09 each in mid-morning trading.
