Court Orders BardyDx Merger to Go Forward, but Hillrom Plans to Appeal

Hillrom wanted to opt-out of acquiring Bardy Diagnostics because it claimed Medicare rate cuts for long-term cardiac monitoring constituted a material adverse event to the merger agreement.

Omar Ford

July 13, 2021

2 Min Read
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Hillrom said it is appealing an order from the Delaware Court of Chancery that would have it proceed with its $375 million acquisition of Bardy Diagnostics.

The Chicago, IL-based Hillrom said it is assessing its strategic options in light of the court's order and confirms that this decision does not have a material impact on the company's previously issued 2021 financial guidance.

Hillrom wanted to opt-out of the proposed merger, which was first announced in January, because it claimed Medicare rate cuts for long-term cardiac monitoring constituted a material adverse event in the acquisition agreement. However, on Monday, the Delaware Chancery Court denied Hillrom’s claim.

Seattle, WA-based BardyDx has developed the Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM) patch a device designed to promote patient compliance, streamline clinical workflow, and yield clinically actionable data in a report. Through the acquisition, the CAM Patch has the potential to give Hillrom greater access into the ambulatory cardiac monitoring space.

"We are disappointed by the Court's ruling and remain committed to enhancing shareholder value as we evaluate all available strategic options," Hillrom President and CEO John Groetelaars said in a release. 

This isn’t the first medtech merger to be contested in the courts.

One of the most notable acquisitions to go through litigation – involved Abbott Laboratories and Alere. Before Abbott closed on the diagnostics maker, the companies went back and forth trading complaints in the courts and eventually seeking mediation for the merger dispute.

Abbott was gung-ho about the acquisition at first but became lukewarm when Alere disclosed a federal grand jury subpoena related to a U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigation involving sales practices from 2013 to 2015 in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

At the time Abbott even offered up to $50 million to walk away from the proposed merger, but Alere's board rejected the offer.

Eventually, both parties worked out their differences and the $5.3 billion merger closed in 2017. The Alere acquisition would go on to bolster Abbott’s testing offerings during the pandemic.  

 

About the Author

Omar Ford

Omar Ford is a veteran reporter in the field of medical technology and healthcare journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry), a leading publication in the industry, Ford has established himself as an authoritative voice and a trusted source of information.

Ford, who has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina, has dedicated his career to reporting on the latest advancements and trends in the medical device and diagnostic sector.

During his tenure at MD+DI, Ford has covered a wide range of topics, including emerging medical technologies, regulatory developments, market trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He has interviewed influential leaders and key opinion leaders in the field, providing readers with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

 

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