Otometrics joins US group Natus Medical

The total consideration payable by Natus is USD 145 million and will be settled in cash on a debt and cash free basis. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is targeted by end of 2016.

This acquisition by Natus is aimed at reinforcing the development of Otometrics and to position the brand as “a global leader in hearing assessment, hearing screening and balance assessment,” says the company. “The Otometrics brand will complement our current portfolio and will further increase our combined growth potential,” indicates the press release of September 25. This acquisition will help Natus Medical increase its market share and Otometrics will provide its leading expertise, particularly in the area of audiometry and management of dizziness.

“Otometrics has several leading brands and has introduced many industry firsts,” said Jim Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Natus. “With the addition of Otometrics, we anticipate Natus revenue in 2017 will reach USD 500 million, a major milestone for the company.” The companies have entered into a strategic partnership to collaborate on future technology, product development and commercialization, the release explains. This includes cooperation between Natus and GN Hearing as part of the up-coming launch of OTOscan by Otometrics.

The GN Group, for its part, plans to focus on its hearing aids business, its core area, with the brand GN Hearing, and on the GN Audio branch, formerly Netcom, and that markets among others the headsets of the Jabra brand.

Natus Medical, which made USD 376 million in revenue in 2015, is a company specializing in medical equipment and associated services in the area of screening, detection, treatment and monitoring of common medical disorders, and in neurological dysfunction, epilepsy, sleep disorders, neonatal care, hearing deficits, and balance disorders like mobility conditions.

Source: Audio Infos France