There are certainly lots of competitors in the devices arena for cardiovascular surgical suite space globally, and lots of differing needs. But given what high-stakes, high priced procedures these almost always are… it is not surprising that a behemoth would emerge. And not surprising it would be… in JNJ’s stable.

And that is exactly how this one is playing out. There is still plenty of market need for the Edwards LifeSciences of the world… but it too may eventually be on JNJ’s shoppin’ list. [Just a word, to those looking ahead, for M&A gainsplay….]

Here is the latest on all that, from JNJ’s MedTech division, itself (but with the renewed vigor of the DoJ’s Antitrust desk in evidence, I might ease off the “market leadership” type boastings):

…[JNJ’s MedTech unit] announced it entered into a definitive agreement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all outstanding shares of Shockwave for $335.00 per share in cash, corresponding to an enterprise value of approximately $13.1 billion including cash acquired. The transaction was approved by both companies’ boards of directors….

With the addition of Shockwave, Johnson & Johnson will expand its MedTech cardiovascular portfolio into two of the highest-growth, innovation-oriented segments of cardiovascular intervention – coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The transaction follows Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s successful acquisitions of Abiomed, a leader in heart recovery, and more recently Laminar, an innovator in left atrial appendage elimination for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). These acquisitions complement and build on Johnson & Johnson’s established global leadership position in electrophysiology through the Biosense Webster portfolio….

So it goes — with all my NCAA picks turning up roses — and the Kentucky Derby not too far off, now. Smile.

नमस्ते