Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.’s $1 billion acquisition of Johnson & Johnson’s Codman Neuro division would negatively impact competition in those markets. Both companies supply a range of devices used in operative neurosurgery, hydrocephalus management and neuro-critical care.

As announced in September 2017, the complaint alleged that the acquisition, as it was initially proposed, would likely harm competition in the U.S. markets for intracranial pressure monitoring systems, cerebrospinal fluid collection systems, non-antimicrobial external ventricular drainage catheters, fixed pressure valve shunt systems and dural grafts.

Under the terms of the stipulated settlement with the FTC, the parties are required to divest the rights and assets to Integra’s intracranial pressure monitoring systems and fixed pressure valve shunt systems, as well as Codman’s cerebrospinal fluid collection systems, non-antimicrobial external ventricular drainage catheters, and dural grafts to Natus Medical Incorporated.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 2-0. (FTC File No. 171 0084; the staff contact is Aylin M. Skroejer, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2459)

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