Smith & Nephew Acquires Brazilian Distribution of its Wound Care Products

As part of an ongoing effort to expand into emerging markets, Smith & Nephew plc has acquired the Brazilian distribution of its wound care products from Politec Saúde for an undisclosed amount.

The purchase is the latest in a string of BRIC(Brazil, Russia, India, China)-related business buyouts the orthopedic device behemoth has undertaken this year to strengthen its presence those potentially lucrative markets. In May, Smith &Nephew acquired Indian orthopedic trauma device maker Adler Mediequip and its Sushrut Surgicals brand as well as longtime Brazilian distribution partner Pró Cirurgia Especializada. Two months later, the company bought the distribution arm of its orthopaedic reconstruction, trauma and sports medicine products in Turkey from Plato Grup for an undisclosed amount.

“Being closer to the customer is at the heart of our emerging markets strategy. Brazil is a long-term opportunity and this is an important investment which creates a significant platform from which we can grow,” Smith &Nephew CEO Olivier Bohuon said in prepared remarks.

Politec Saúde, the exclusive distributor of Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Wound Management products in Brazil, derived about one-quarter of its overall revenues from advanced wound management sales, Smith & Nephew said. About 30 Politec employees will move over to Smith & Nephew once the deal closes but the distributor’s operations will be otherwise unchanged, according to a news release.