Merz to acquire Ulthera for $600M

Merz has entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire energy device maker Ulthera in a deal that could be valued at more than $600 million.

The merger, which could close in the third quarter, is expected to include upfront cash and milestone payments, marking the largest acquisition for Merz, according to a news release.

Merz produces dermatologic and aesthetic products such as the dermal filler Radiesse, neuromodulator Xeomin and anti-aging skincare line Neocutis. The merger would allow Merz to acquire the Ulthera System, a nonsurgical skin-tightening device that is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for skin lifting on the eyebrow, neck and under the chin, according to Ulthera.

“Joining with a like-minded, growing global healthcare company is a major milestone in the life of our company,” Ulthera CEO Matt Likens said in a statement.

Ulthera projects sales of more than $100 million this year, Merz reported.

“The aesthetic lift indication differentiates Ulthera from every other energy device available in the market today. 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,” Bill Humphries, Merz North America president and CEO, said in the statement.

The boards of both companies have approved the transaction; the merger is subject to customary closing conditions.