Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. said Wednesday it would buy SterilMed, a privately held company that reprocesses single-use medical devices, repairs equipment and sells refurbished endoscopes. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, makes surgical products, such as forceps, suturing devices and gastric bands. The company said SterilMed, based in Maple Grove, Minn., will operate as a standalone company under its own name.

"The time is right for Ethicon Endo-Surgery and SterilMed to come together, given the rapid changes occurring in the U.S. healthcare system," Karen Licitra, company group chair and worldwide franchise chair for Ethicon Endo-Surgery, said in a statement.
SterilMed reprocesses thousands of kinds of devices, including various probes, patient monitors, forceps, diagnostic catheters, laparoscopic instruments and cannula sets. Its customers include Cleveland Clinic, Duke University and Tenet Healthcare, according to its website.

Four years ago, SterilMed merged with The Scope Exchange, an endoscope sales and service company.

More Industry Headlines