3M completes Arizant takeover

3M has finalised its acquisition of the patient warming solution specialist Arizant, completing a deal that was originally announced last month.

The transaction, which is valued at $810 million (505 million pounds), will allow 3M to expand its infection prevention division with products that are estimated to be used by more than 20 million surgical patients on a yearly basis.

Arizant is recognised as the creator of the forced-air patient warming category after it launched the Bair Hugger therapy in 1987, a product that helps those in surgical settings to maintain normal body temperatures and avoid hypothermia.

Other products offered by the company include the Ranger blood and fluid warming system and the Bair Paws patient adjustable warming device.

According to 3M, patient warming represents a "highly strategic adjacency" for the company that can play a key role in preventing infections, while also helping 3M to maintain its international growth.