Sirona and Dentsply announce definitive merger agreement

Sirona and Dentsply have announced that they will be merging to form an industry-leading combined business called Dentsply Sirona.

The resulting organisation will be the world's leading manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies and will have the largest sales and service infrastructure in the dental sector, with 15,000 employees worldwide.

Jeffrey Slovin, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Sirona, will serve as CEO of the combined, while Dentsply CEO Bret Wise will become its executive chairman. They will work together to execute the corporate strategy and integrate the companies and cultures.

Dentsply Sirona will generate annual net revenues of approximately $3.8 billion (2.44 billion pounds) and adjusted earnings of more than $900 million. Its global headquarters will be in York, Pennsylvania, the location of Dentsply's current base.

Mr Slovin said: "Combining Sirona's proven digital solutions and equipment with Dentsply's leading consumables platform creates the most comprehensive dental solutions offering available to meet customer demand in every key segment."

The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.