Blink Medical eyes potential after takeover by global ophthalmic business

Medical instrument business, Blink Medical has been bought by American group Katena Products for an undisclosed sum.

Blink Medical is the UK’s first supplier of single use surgical instruments in ophthalmology, but its product range has now expanded to include dermatology, ENT, cosmetic and plastic surgery. Katena operates in 110 countries and lays claim to being a world leader in ophthalmic products.

Roger Tyler, founder and MD of Blink Medical said: “The synergies created in the ophthalmic sector, by offering multiple instrument solutions to our customers, will help both companies achieve their business objectives.”

Solihull-based Blink Medical supplies NHS hospitals as well as private hospital groups and already exports its range of products to over 20 countries.

The deal gives Katena Products its first UK acquisition and a new platform in Europe for growth in the UK and overseas. The deal promises further investment and more jobs. Roger Tyler will remain in the business post-acquisition.

Mark J Fletcher, chief executive of Katena, added: “The acquisition of Blink Medical strengthens and expands Katena’s offering in high quality ophthalmic instrumentation. Single use instruments are important to our strategy and the addition of Blink also offers Katena the benefits of a physical presence in Europe.”

Blink Medical was advised on the deal by Cooper Parry Corporate Finance, whose director, Sally Saunders commented: “Medical products is a sector that is generating a lot of interest. It was good to work with the investors in Katena, Audax Private Equity based in the USA. There remains a lot of money in private equity, and we are seeing more and more buy and build opportunities in this sector.”