Smith & Nephew to acquire Brazilian distribution firm

26th Nov 2013 14:20

Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology business, on Tuesday announced that it has agreed to acquire Brazilian firm Politec Saúde for the distribution of its Advanced Wound Management products. Earlier this year, the company announced its intention to acquire its Advanced Surgical Devices distribution in Brazil, bought a mid-tier trauma business in India and acquired a direct presence in Turkey. "Through these transactions, together with today's further acquisition in Brazil, Smith & Nephew is delivering on its strategic priority to build a sustainable Emerging Markets business," the company said. The proposed acquisition comprises approximately one-quarter of Politec's overall business. The group anticpates that 30 employees will transfer to Smith & Nephew Brazil upon completion of the deal. Olivier Bohuon, Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Nephew, commented: "Being closer to the customer is at the heart of our Emerging Markets strategy. Brazil is an exciting long-term opportunity and this is an important investment which creates a significant platform from which we can grow."NR