Surgical robotics firm acquired in $275m deal

BLUE Belt Technologies, which has its European headquarters at Manchester Business Park, has been acquired by global medical technology company Smith & Newphew for $275m.

Blue Belt designs and develops robotic-assisted surgical technologies which it says are changing the way orthopaedic care is delivered, claiming its solutions “place intelligent tools directly into the hands of surgeons”.

It has approximately 120 employees, based in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, USA and Manchester.

“Our experience working with Blue Belt and our customer insight has convinced us that robotics will become increasingly mainstream across orthopaedic reconstruction in the foreseeable future,” said Smith & Neephew chief executive Olivier Bohuon.

“This acquisition is a compelling strategic move, with the combination of complementary products and R&D programmes creating a platform from which we can shape this exciting new area of surgery.”

Blue Belt’s Navio surgical system provides robotics-assistance in unicondylar or partial knee replacement surgery through CT-free navigation software and a unique hand-held, robotic bone-shaping device.

It is a highly portable system that can be moved freely within hospitals or ambulatory surgical centres. Navio brings a high degree of implant placement accuracy, combined with attractive economics and ease of use.

The combination of Blue Belt Technologies with Smith & Nephew’s Knee Implant franchise has a powerful rationale, the company says.

Blue Belt president and chief executive Eric Timko said: “Together, we will realise the many opportunities to bring the benefits of robotics-assisted surgery to more patients and new indications.”