Spin-offs Overcome Orthopedic Merger Objections

The Federal Trade Commission will not fracture the proposed $3.3 billion merger of orthopedic device companies Wright Medical Group Inc. and Tornier N.V., after the parties agreed to sell some of Tornier’s assets (In re Wright Medical Group Inc., F.T.C., File No. 151 0018, 9/30/15).

The draft complaint alleged that the concentration would reduce competition for the sale of total ankle replacements and total silastic™ toe joint replacements—for both the big toe and second through fifth “lesser” toes. Silastic refers to the trademarked combination for a flexible, inert silicone elastomer combining silicone and plastic.

According to ...