Medtronic announces Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation takeover

Medtronic has agreed a deal to acquire Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation, a privately-held developer of deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies, for around $200 million (120.65 million pounds).

The move greatly strengthens the firm's position in the neuromodulation and neuroscience markets, which are both rapidly-growing fields that are considered emerging frontiers in modern medicine.

Sapiens SBS is based in the Netherlands and is developing a DBS system that features an advanced lead with 40 individual stimulation points, allowing for more precise stimulation of the intended target in the brain than ever before.

Medtronic and Sapiens SBS will work to finalise product development and begin clinical research to integrate these technologies into an expanded portfolio of DBS products.

Dr Lothar Krinke, vice-president and general manager of the brain modulation business at Medtronic, said: "This acquisition broadens our neuroscience leadership position with innovative brain modulation technology that … may one day transform the way physicians are able to treat patients with neurodegenerative diseases."

The company is also currently preparing to integrate Covidien, a fellow medical technology firm that was acquired for $42.9 billion earlier this summer.