Merz acquires Ulthera

Merz has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Ultera. Valued at up to $600m (£350m) in upfront cash and milestone payments, the acquisition is the largest in Merz’s history. “This acquisition represents an important strategic milestone for Merz,” said Philip Burchard, CEO of Merz Pharma Group, which has affiliates in 18 countries around the world. “We have a vision to be the most innovative company in aesthetics, and expanding into the rapidly growing field of energy devices will position us for long-term success in this area.” The Ulthera® System, Ultherapy, is the first and only ultrasound platform device to receive FDA clearance for lifting skin on the eyebrow, the neck and under the chin. Ulthera expects sales of more than $100m (£58m) in 2014. “The aesthetic lift indication differentiates Ulthera from every other energy device available in the market today,” said Bill Humphries, president and CEO of Merz North America, Inc. “It is truly innovative technology, and we expect to leverage our in-house clinical expertise to develop further aesthetic and medical applications and bring them to the international marketplace.”