On December 13, Baxter International Inc. (“Baxter”) announced the completion of one of the biggest medtech acquisitions of 2021, acquiring Hillrom (a global medical equipment maker headquartered in Chicago) for a purchase price of ~$10.5 billion. The deal had originally been announced by Baxter in September 2021.

According to a statement on Baxter’s website, “Baxter’s acquisition of Hillrom has formed one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, centered around a shared vision to transform healthcare.”

Baxter’s product portfolio includes diagnostic, critical care, kidney care, nutrition, and surgical products used in hospitals, physician offices, and patient homes. According to Baxter, the addition of Hillrom’s product lines, including legacy Welch Allyn products that were acquired by Hillrom in 2015, will help Baxter improve care outcomes and broaden access to care. Hillrom’s products include the MacroView® Plus Otoscope, the Volara™ Oscillation & Lung Expansion Therapy System, the PST 500 Precision Surgical Table, and the Centrella® Smart+ Bed.

In a press release, Baxter’s chairman Jose E. Almeida stated:

According to the press release, Baxter expects the combination to result in ~$250 million of annual pre-tax cost synergies within 3 years.

Written by: Michael R. Christensen