News in Brief

Diversified medtech firm Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. will expand its surgical offerings through its acquisition of privately held Aspen Surgical Products Inc. for $400 million under a definitive agreement announced July 25. Aspen manufactures disposable products focused on hospital staff and patient safety, such as Bard-Parker conventional and safety scalpels and blades, Colby fluid collection products, Richard-Allan specialty needles and wound care dressings. Hill-Rom’s offerings, meanwhile, include patient support systems, non-invasive therapeutic products, medical equipment rentals and surgical products. “With the addition of Aspen Surgical, Hill-Rom is well positioned for growth and geographic expansion in our surgical business, particularly in the safety product segments,” said Hill-Rom CEO John J. Greisch.

Michigan-based Aspen has annual revenue of approximately $120 million. Hill-Rom generated $1.59 billion in sales for the fiscal year ended...