Cardiovascular device companies have traditionally represented the largest percentage of acquisition targets over the past several years, especially in the higher-value deals, according to Informa's Strategic Transactions. (See Exhibit 1.) To fill their growing portfolios, big cardio acquirers like Boston Scientific Corp. and Abbott Laboratories Inc. will be looking for new and innovative products, while smaller firms will be advancing their technologies to formulate exit paths, whether it's an IPO or acquisition. Private companies with marketed devices still tend to go public at a faster pace than those at the development stage. (See[A#2014900207].) So getting a device launched is crucial no matter the exit route.
Exhibit 1
