Bard EP Deal Latest In Boston Scientific’s M&A Revival, Bolsters CRM Business

After sitting on the dealmaking sidelines just a few years ago while trying to figure out how to digest its $27 billion acquisition of Guidant Corp. in 2005, Boston Scientific Corp. is back in the M&A game, which is welcome news to device start-ups worldwide. [See Deal] Its recent acquisition of Bard Electrophysiology (EP), a division of CR Bard Inc., marks the tenth notable acquisition that Boston Scientific has made since 2010. Four of those deals come in cardiac rhythm management (CRM), including EP, which is among the fastest-growing device sectors and one that company executives see as a major contributor to future growth. [See Deal]

Throughout the early 2000s, Boston Scientific was one of the most aggressive strategic acquirers, pioneering the practice of taking small equity stakes in numerous start-ups through structured deals tied to a variety of milestones, a practice that today is common in the industry