Smiths Medical Medical Device Company Intelligence Report

Summary

Smith & Nephew (S&N), headquartered in London, UK, is a global medical device company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of orthopaedic, endoscopy and advanced wound care products. Smith & Nephew claims to have been the fastest growing orthopaedic company for the last five years and believes it is the global leader in arthroscopy and world number two in trauma, with a leading market position in advanced wound management. In fiscal 2004, S&N had annual revenue of 1.25 billion, of which 47% (589 million) was generated from its orthopaedics business which grew by 17% compared with global orthopaedic market growth of 13%.

S&N employs approximately 8,000 people worldwide and has operations in 33 countries. The company's largest single customers worldwide are the National Health Service in the UK and HealthTrust in the US. Sales to these customers in 2004 each represented approximately 4% of the group's worldwide total sales.

The company has principal manufacturing operations in Tennessee and Massachusetts in the US and Hull in the UK, as well as a central research facility in York, UK. S&N is structured into three global business units, Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management.

S&N Orthopaedics provides reconstructive implant systems for knees, hips and shoulder joints, as well as trauma and clinical therapy products to help repair broken bones and damaged joints. Its key products include the Exogen ultrasound bone healing system, the Oxinium Genesis II and Profix knee systems, Supartz Joint Fluid Therapy, TriGen intramedullary nails and the Synergy and Echelon hip systems.

S&N Endoscopy claims to be the global market leader for arthroscopy products, led by its Dyonics and FasT-Fix brands, claiming to be unique in offering all arthroscopic technologies needed for surgery, including instruments for access to joints, cameras to visualise inside the joint, blades for resecting tissue and specialised devices to repair damaged tissue. Using the knowledge acquired from arthroscopy, it is broadening its scope beyond this area to include all aspects of endoscopy and also new applications such as the TriVex technique for varicose vein removal.

S&N Advanced Wound Management provides a range of treatments for difficult to heal wounds, including pressure, leg and diabetic foot ulcers, burns, scars, surgical wounds and IV fixation. Its leading brand names include Acticoat, Allevyn, Profore and TransCyte, as well as Dermagraft in the US.

Smith & Nephew also owns half of BSN Medical, a joint venture with Beiersdorf, which offers casting, bandaging and splinting products; phlebology devices such as bandages, medical hosiery and medical compression stockings; and general wound care products such as surgical tape and fixation products. In August 2005, Smith & Nephew announced that the joint venture is to be divested (see Joint Ventures).

Medical Device Company Intelligence Reports provide a full review of the company's activities, from its origins to its latest corporate activity, including mergers and acquisitions, agreements, divestitures, major purchasing contracts and litigation. Sections are included on products, international activities and R&D, as well as a full, in-depth five year financial analysis. An introduction to each report and a full table of contents is provided for review. More than 60 Medical Device Company Intelligence Reports are currently available.

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