Merz and Ulthera Inc. have entered a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which Merz will acquire U.S.-based medical device company Ulthera, a deal which will accelerate Merz’s growth in the aesthetics area and expand the company’s portfolio of treatment options in facial aesthetics. Valued at up to $600 million in upfront cash and milestone payments, the acquisition is the largest in Merz’s history.

“This acquisition represents an important strategic milestone for Merz,” says Philip Burchard, CEO of Merz Pharma Group, which has affiliates in 18 countries around the world. “We have a vision to be the most innovative company in aesthetics, and expanding into the rapidly growing field of energy devices will position us for long-term success in this area. The addition of Ulthera’s energy device technology complements and expands our global presence in the aesthetics space.”

Founded in 2004, Ulthera offers non-surgical lifting and tightening treatments. Using therapeutic ultrasound technology, the UltheraSystem is the first and only ultrasound platform device to receive FDA clearance for lifting skin on the eyebrow, on the neck, and under the chin.

“The aesthetic lift indication differentiates Ulthera from every other energy device available in the market today,” says Bill Humphries, President and CEO of Merz North America, Inc. “It is truly innovative technology, and we expect to leverage our in-house clinical expertise to develop further aesthetic and medical applications and bring them to the international marketplace.”

Merz is a privately held pharmaceutical company based in Frankfurt, Germany with own branches in various European countries as well as the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Asia Pacific. The company is active in research, development, and distribution of innovative products in the areas of aesthetic medicine and dermatology as well as in the field of neurologically induced movement disorders.

UltheraInc. is a global medical device company focused on developing and commercializing technologies for aesthetic and medical applications using its therapeutic ultrasound platform technology. It is based in Mesa, Ariz.

Release Date: June 26, 2014
Source: Merz