Observe Medical ASA announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Biim Ultrasound. This transaction will further strengthen Observe Medical's position as a Nordic-based medtech platform with global reach. In addition, the agreement is set to accelerate the global commercial roll-out of the combined portfolio, including Sippi® US market launch and the entry of Biim in Europe.
The transaction, which values Biim Ultrasound at approximately NOK 185 million (EUR 18.5 million), will be settled in cash and shares.
Biim Ultrasound has developed a unique, wireless and pocketable ultrasound probe, Biim, that can scan patients and review images in seconds. The objective of Biim is to enhance healthcare personnel decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Biim’s technology is patented, and the device received 510 (k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018. Biim is approved for ultrasound imaging of the human body and is specifically used to guide needle and catheter insertions for dialysis and vascular access procedures. Work is underway to explore additional areas of use, not limited to the use of abdominal and cardiac probes.
A partner agreement with Fresenius Kidney Care, the leading provider of kidney care services in the US, is already in place, whereby Biim is intended to be used across Fresenius’ dialysis centres in the US.
Biim Ultrasound’s US network is also expected to further drive the pace of the global commercial roll-out of Sippi®, Observe Medical’s proprietary automated digital urine meter with biofilm control and wireless connectivity, accelerating the current roll-out in Europe and drive an earlier US market entry. As previously communicated during the third quarter 2021 report, Observe Medical has strengthened the US patent protection for Sippi® and clarified the regulatory pathway into the US.
CEO of Observe Medical, Björn Larsson, commented: “The acquisition of Biim is a game- changer for Observe Medical. We are a Nordic-based medtech company with global reach, and by joining forces with Biim Ultrasound, we are strengthening the product portfolio and expanding our distribution network globally. The aim is to significantly accelerate the commercial roll-out of Sippi® in both Europe and the US. In parallel, Observe Medical’s network will be utilized to launch Biim on the European market. As a result, we have a further strengthened and solid platform for growth, supported by organic growth and targeted M&A, which enables us to commercialize proprietary and innovative medtech products on a global scale.”
Rune Nystad, CEO of Biim Ultrasound, commented: “I am proud of the work we have accomplished at Biim Ultrasound so far, and that Observe Medical sees the market need for Biim and its potential within the dialysis and vascular access segments and beyond. We have a shared vision to utilize innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes and promote beneficial health economics. Together and as a result of the transaction, we will benefit from significant synergies and continued growth of the business. I am confident that Observe Medical is the right partner for us to ensure that our innovative technology reaches hospitals and medical facilities globally.”
The Company and Biim Ultrasound had combined pro forma revenues of NOK 25 million in 2020 and have offices in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the US. Although no assurance can be given, the long-term ambition is sales of NOK 500 million per year for Sippi®, NOK 500 million per year for Biim and NOK 100 million per year for the Nordic portfolio.
The transaction is subject to the approval by the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held on 4 February 2022 of a rights issue and an authority to the Company’s Board of Directors to issue the consideration shares as well certain other customary conditions. The agreement is expected to be completed in March 2022.
The Board of Directors of Observe Medical has resolved to propose that the Company carries out a share capital increase, by way of a fully underwritten rights issue, to raise gross proceeds of NOK 180 million. The proceeds from the Rights Issue will partly be used to finance the cash portion of the acquisition consideration of Biim Ultrasound. In addition, the proceeds will be used for commercialization and growth initiatives for Sippi® and Biim, repayment of current interest- bearing debt and general corporate purposes.
