Merit Medical acquires BioSphere Medical

SOUTH JORDAN — Merit Medical Systems Inc. has acquired BioSphere Medical Inc., a developer of various products that treat uterine fibroids (benign growths in the uterus), hypervascularized tumors (tumors with many veins in them) and arteriorvenous malformations (abnormal and tangled connections between veins and arteries).

The acquisition puts Merit in a key position as far as treating uterine fibroids and primary liver cancer.

Merit is known for developing, marketing and distributing disposable medical devices used in cardiology, radiology and gastroenterology. It serves hospitals throughout the world. As part of the BioSphere acquisition, Merit will keep BioSphere's manufacturing plant in France and also an office in Massachusetts.

"The acquisition of BioSphere is an important strategic move for Merit," said Fred Lampropoulos, chairman and CEO of Merit. "We believe it will position us to capitalize on our existing distribution network and our direct sales force to achieve future growth in emerging markets such as China, in under served markets in Europe and in expanding markets in the United States."

— Linda Thomson