The acquisition of Biotech International is intended to provide Wright with a complementary extremity product portfolio and to significantly expand Wright’s direct sales channel in France and international distribution network for foot and ankle products.

With hip and knee joint markets still registering slow to modest growth, orthopedic companies looking to add bulk to their bottom line through mergers and acquisitions have pursued two distinct directions – the extremities and emerging markets.

Wright Medical hasn’t enjoyed the smoothest ride over the past 15 years, a stretch that included a spin-out, debt problems, and a buyout, as well as an IPO. All the while, though, the company has proven to be an innovator in the large joints industries and now—under new CEO Gary Henley—it is establishing itself as a force in the extremities and biomaterials markets.

By focusing on an overlooked but critical element of spinal anatomy, the facet joint, Archus is applying established principles of total joint replacement to create a new opportunity in spine, while also expanding the potential opportunities in disc replacement.