ConvaTec (LON:CTEC) said today it tapped Karim Bitar as its new CEO, set to take the position on September 30. Prior to joining the U.K.-based medtech company, Bitar served as CEO of agricultural biotech company Genus, holding the corner office position for approximately eight years. Before his time with Genus, Bitar spent 15 years in various […]
Fresenius
Fresenius wins FDA breakthrough device nod for fluid management software
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) said yesterday that it won FDA breakthrough device designation for its computer-assisted ultrafiltration control software intended to improve fluid management during hemodialysis. The Waltham, Mass.-based company said that the software is designed to work with its newer hemodialysis machines using its CLiC device. Fresenius said that with the software, it hopes to create a […]
Fresenius preps $370m stock buyback
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) said today that it’s planning a stock buyback of up to $370 million worth of its own shares. Shareholders in the German renal care giant said its shareholders approved the roughly 6-million-share buyback in May 2016. The €330 million repurchasing plan is slated to run from today through May 10, Fresenius said. If fully […]
7 women in medtech you should know
Women hold more executive leadership roles in the medtech industry today than they did 20 years ago, but there’s still a long way to go. There is still a women’s leadership gap in the U.S., though. According to a report from the Centers for American Progress, women hold 52% of professional jobs in the U.S. […]
Fresenius closes $2B NxStage buyout, settles FCPA case for $255m
Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS; ETR:FRE) said today that it closed the $2 billion acquisition of NxStage Medical and settled self-reported violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for nearly $255 million. The $30-per-share deal for the Lawrence, Mass.-based home hemodialysis pioneer, first announced in August 2017, was initially slated to close by the end of that year. […]
FTC gives the go ahead to Fresenius, NxStage merger
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said yesterday that it cleared Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) in its $2 billion acquisition of NxStage Medical (NSDQ:NXTM). As part of the approval, NxStage will have to part ways with its bloodline tubing set business, offloading them to B. Braun, according to the regulatory agency. The vote to approve the merger was split, however, […]
Fresenius launches 2008T BlueStar hemodialysis machine in U.S.
Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS) said today that it launched its 2008T BlueStar hemodialysis machine, touting more than 30 improvements from previous device models. The Waltham, Mass.-based company said that the new system is intended to allow for simpler operation and maintenance with additional treatment options, and added that the system features a number of newly automated technologies. […]
U.S. gov’t shutdown again delays closing for Fresenius-NxStage merger
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) said today that an interruption to the FTC’s review of its merger with NxStage Medical (NSDQ:NXTM), caused by the partial U.S. government shutdown, has again delayed the end-date of the deal which has now been extended to August 6, 2019. The end-date is not hard-set, Fresenius said, and could occur on an earlier date if there have […]
Fresenius still awaiting FTC approval for NxStage acquisition
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) said last Friday that it is still in the process of seeking approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for its $2 billion merger with NxStage Medical (NSDQ:NXTM). The tie-up, which was delayed by NxStage in October in light of the FTC investigation, has been in the works for nearly a year and a half, having […]
Del. supremes uphold Fresenius bailout on Akorn buy
Delaware’s Supreme Court ruled last week to uphold a decision by the state’s Chancery Court that Fresenius (ETR:FRE) could walk away from its $4 billion merger with Akorn (NSDQ:AKRX). The initial deal was designed to help Fresenius move into new therapeutic areas and dosage forms, including eye drugs, ear drops, nasal sprays and respiratory drugs. But Fresenius abandoned the purchase in […]
Fresenius slides on softened outlook
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) shares are down roughly 10% today after the German dialysis giant softened its outlook. “Given its current expectations for 2018 and 2019, Fresenius now believes its ambitious group targets for 2020 will not be met,” Fresenius said. Overall earnings next year are now expected to be flat on mid-single-digit sales growth, compared with prior […]