Medical devices merger continues consolidation trend

Medical devices giant Becton Dickinson (BD) has agreed to buy automation and infection prevention specialist CareFusion for over $12 billion (£7.5 billion) in a mixture of shares and borrowed cash.

CareFusion develops technology for reducing drug dispensing errors by automation, and for preventing and detecting infections. BD says that Carefusion’s products are complementary to its own ranges, and its distribution infrastructure will allow the merged company to increase global sales and cut supply chain costs.

The move follows other consolidation between major players in the medical devices segment, including Medtronic’s $43 billion purchase of Covidien in June.

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