Boston Scientific to Acquire EndoChoice

Boston Scientific and EndoChoice Holdings Inc. today announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Boston Scientific has agreed to acquire EndoChoice. Upon completion of the transaction, EndoChoice will become part of the Boston Scientific endoscopy business.
 
EndoChoice develops and commercializes innovative products and services for specialists treating a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The EndoChoice portfolio includes single-use devices, such as resection and retrieval devices, needles, graspers and infection control kits. The company also has strong positions in pathology services and imaging technologies.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, Boston Scientific will launch a tender offer for all EndoChoice outstanding shares at a cash price of $8.00 per share. Following the tender offer, if successful, all remaining shares of EndoChoice will receive the same consideration paid to stockholders who participated in the tender offer. The total equity value is approximately $210 million and the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016 subject to customary closing conditions.
 
“The addition of EndoChoice products and services to our portfolio supports our strategy to provide comprehensive solutions to gastroenterology caregivers and the patients they serve,” said Art Butcher, senior vice president and president, Boston Scientific, endoscopy. “We expect the acquisition to expand our leadership into new categories in the endoscopy market, and to drive strong, continued growth of our endoscopy business.”
 
Mark Gilreath, founder and CEO, EndoChoice, said, “The combination of our broad portfolio of products and services for the gastroenterology physician, with the complementary products and large global infrastructure of the Boston Scientific endoscopy business, creates an enhanced growth platform for both businesses, and delivers immediate value for our shareholders.”
 
The acquisition is expected to be breakeven to Boston Scientific adjusted earnings per share in 2017, and accretive thereafter. The transaction is expected to be less accretive (or dilutive, as the case may be) on a GAAP basis, due to amortization expense and transaction and integration costs.
 
EndoChoice generated approximately $75 million of total sales in the twelve month period ended June 30, 2016. The EndoChoice imaging portfolio includes the Full Spectrum Endoscopy (FUSE) colonoscope, which enables doctors to better see anatomy and find more lesions during colonoscopies. With respect to the FUSE colonoscope, Boston Scientific intends to evaluate strategic options, and expects to provide further clarity at or around the time of transaction closing.