Who are the most active MedTech acquirers in Europe in the last 2 years?

The most active MedTech acquirers in Europe in the last two years (2023 and 2024), focusing on both global players with a strong European presence and European-based companies.

Key Global Acquirers with European Activity

Boston Scientific: This company has been consistently active, with a strong focus on enhancing its cardiovascular and chronic pain portfolios.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Relievant ($850 million) for chronic back pain treatment and the acquisition of Bolt Medical (€664 million) to enhance cardiovascular offerings.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech: J&J has made significant investments to bolster its MedTech division.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Laminar in 2023, which focuses on a new treatment for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: While a global player, Thermo Fisher has been a prominent acquirer in the European market, particularly in the diagnostics and life sciences tools space.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Olink Holding ($3.1 billion) in late 2023, a Swedish company specialising in proteomics.

Siemens Healthineers: As a major European-based company, Siemens Healthineers is a key acquirer, expanding its portfolio in areas like molecular imaging.

Notable deals: The acquisition of the Advanced Accelerator Applications Molecular Imaging business from Novartis.

Enovis: A global medical technology company, Enovis has been active in Europe to expand its orthopedic reconstruction business.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Limacorporate for $851 million in 2023. 

Notable European-Based Acquirers

Carl Zeiss Meditec: This German company has been strengthening its ophthalmic solutions business.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center International for $1.078 billion.

Teleflex: A global provider of medical technologies, Teleflex has been active in the European market.

Notable deals: The acquisition of Biotronik's Vascular Intervention Unit for approximately €760 million.

Innovia Medical: This company has made multiple acquisitions to position itself as a multi-specialty surgical device manufacturer.

Notable deals: It has completed at least two acquisitions to add ENT and ophthalmic surgical products to its portfolio.

 Other Active Players and Trends

Private Equity Firms: Private equity firms have demonstrated significant interest in the MedTech sector, with firms like Bain Capital and SK Capital completing notable acquisitions.

Focus on Specific Segments: A clear trend is the acquisition of companies that provide access to disruptive technologies and innovative solutions, particularly in high-growth areas. This includes:

Surgical robotics and AI-driven platforms.

Cardiovascular and chronic care.

Diagnostic tools, especially those utilising AI.

Orthopedics and joint replacement platforms.

It's important to note that the market has seen a shift toward a higher volume of smaller, "scope deals" rather than just a few mega-mergers, as companies seek to fill portfolio gaps and acquire innovative technologies.

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