Basel, 17 July 2025: Following FDA approval of the KeriMedical TOUCH prosthesis on 10 July, the Medartis Group has decided to acquire the remaining 53% of the privately held company in accordance with the existing agreement. The transaction values the remaining shares at CHF 99 million in cash, with potential additional earn-out payments.
The partnership, which began in December 2020, provides Medartis access to an innovative hand portfolio whilst enhancing the company’s technological expertise in joint replacement and expanding its surgeon network. Medartis has steadily increased its ownership and now acquires full ownership of the Geneva-headquartered company with its two production facilities in France. The Group acts as distribution partner for KeriMedical in Germany, Austria, the UK, and, most recently, Australia, and has doubled its revenue every year during this period. Globally, KeriMedical has delivered average annual growth of nearly 30% over the past three years, achieving total sales of CHF 31 million in 2024. The transaction will immediately contribute positively to Medartis’ sales growth and core EBITDA margin. Closing is expected in August 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, the remaining shares are valued at CHF 99 million in cash in addition to some milestone payments extending through 2027.
To maximise market potential, KeriMedical will continue operating as a distinct brand within the Medartis Group, maintaining dedicated teams for development, marketing, surgeon education, and manufacturing. Both co-founders, Dougal Bendjaballah and Bernard Prandi, will remain on the Board of KeriMedical and continue their full commitment and active involvement following the acquisition. Their entrepreneurial drive, clinical expertise and innovative vision have been fundamental to KeriMedical’s success. Medartis is pleased that they will continue to contribute their experience as the company expands into new markets and develops additional clinical solutions.
“This acquisition is a logical step in our five-year partnership, expanding our capabilities in our core hand & wrist indication. KeriMedical’s distinctive products have contributed to our strong performance in Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom, where we hold the exclusive distribution rights. They are the perfect addition to our comprehensive hand portfolio”, stated Matthias Schupp, CEO of Medartis, while also recognising the importance of preserving the expertise and entrepreneurial approach that has driven KeriMedical’s success, and which remains central to Medartis future development.
Dougal Bendjaballah and Bernard Prandi, co-founders of KeriMedical, commented: “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Medartis. Since founding the company, we have focused on creating innovative solutions for hand surgery based on scientific excellence and close collaboration with surgeons. In Medartis, we have found a partner whose approach to innovation, quality and medical education aligns perfectly with our vision. Our products still have plenty of potential in Europe, and entering the US and Australian markets will keep us on a strong growth path.”
In preparation for the controlled US market launch of the TOUCH thumb prosthesis in early 2026, the company has established a comprehensive surgeon training programme, designated reference centres, and selected key opinion leaders. The flagship TOUCH product, a CMC-1 prosthesis for thumb rhizarthrosis treatment, has established a strong market presence in EMEA over the past decade. The prosthesis features comprehensive clinical data support[1] and differentiates itself through dual mobility technology and various cup designs and materials, enhancing longevity and addressing requirements of patients with metal sensitivities.
The TOUCH prosthesis addresses a significant clinical need in hand surgery. The CMC-1 joint represents one of the hand joints most frequently affected by osteoarthritis, with radiographic evidence present in 20-30% of individuals over 40 years of age, increasing substantially with advancing age [2,3]. Between 2-16% of patients progress to symptomatic osteoarthritis [2,4], causing noticeable clinical symptoms that affect the patient’s daily life.
Medartis will publish its financial results for H1 2025 on 19 August 2025, and will provide further details on the market launch plan and the potential of KeriMedical at that time.
1 https://www.kerimedical.com/en/portail-kerimedical-en/home-professional/touch-scientific-publications-2/
2 Haugen IK, Englund M, Aliabadi P, et al. Prevalence, incidence and progression of hand osteoarthritis in the general population: the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1581-1586. doi:10.1136/ard.2011.150078
3 Wilder FV, Barrett JP, Farina EJ. Joint-specific prevalence of osteoarthritis of the hand. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006;14(9):953-957,
4 Zhang Y, Niu J, Kelly-Hayes M, Chaisson CE, Aliabadi P, Felson DT. Prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis and its impact on functional status among the elderly: The Framingham Study. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;156(11):1021-1027. doi:10.1093/aje/kwf141
Contact
Medartis Corporate Communications
Fabian Hildbrand, Head of Corporate Communications, investor.relations@medartis.com
Andreas Richter, Corporate Communications Manager, corporate.communication@medartis.com
+41 61 633 37 36 / +41 61 633 37 34
About Medartis
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Medartis is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and providers of medical devices for surgical fixation of bone fractures for upper and lower extremities as well as for the craniomaxillofacial region. Medartis employs approx. 1,200 individuals across its 13 locations, with products offered in over 50 countries globally. Medartis is committed to providing surgeons and operating theatre personnel with the most innovative titanium implants and instruments as well as best-in-class service. For more information, please visit www.medartis.com.
About KeriMedical
Founded in 2016, KeriMedical specialises in developing and marketing a comprehensive range of implants exclusively for hand & wrist surgery. The KeriMedical team possesses extensive experience in orthopaedic surgery with expertise across all operational areas: design, manufacturing, quality, marketing and product promotion. KeriMedical collaborates with a panel of surgeons who have recognised expertise in France and internationally. These specialists share their clinical and medical knowledge to support the development and validation of new solutions. The company is headquartered in Geneva, employs approx. 150 employees and its products are available in 30 countries. For further information, please visit www.kerimedical.com.
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