Baxter Cardiovascular: Next Stage, Late-Stage
Baxter is a classic example of a large device company which has lived and grown by the "size is strength" credo; that is, up until recently. Unable to continue growing at an acceptable rate, Baxter adopted the unusual strategy of spinning off major businesses in order to enable both the core company and the new entity to focus on their respective strengths and improve growth. First to go was the hospital supply division, Allegiance Corp., and now Baxter has spun-off its cardiovascular group. To succeed in this crowded market, Baxter Cardiovascular has chosen to focus on an under-developed specialty; late-stage cardiovascular disease.