U.S. 3D printing company, 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) have announced their first acquisition for the year with the purchase of Vertex-Global Holding B.V.
Vertex Global Holding B.V work on the “implementation of innovative Dental materials for more than 75 years and supply them to partners in more than 80 countries.”
According to 3D Systems,
NextDent has developed 12 dental 3D printing materials to date and has obtained regulatory approval for use of these materials in more than 70 countries worldwide. NextDent’s portfolio of 3D printing materials allow dental professionals to produce trays, models, drilling templates, dentures, orthodontic splints, crowns and bridges with enhanced speed, precision and efficiency and lower cost compared to conventional procedures.
Multi-billion dollar opportunity
The deal will bring, “3D Systems’ groundbreaking Figure 4 platform and NextDent’s advanced 3D printing materials provide a strategic foothold in the multi-billion dollar digital dentistry opportunity.”
3D Systems have not disclosed the deal price however they expect the acquisition to contribute immediately to their bottom-line as, “immediately accretive to its non-GAAP earnings per share and cash generation.”
3D Systems CEO statement
According to Vyomesh Joshi, President and CEO, 3D Systems, “With the combination of our disruptive Figure 4 platform and NextDent’s revolutionary materials, we have the unique opportunity to deliver transformative digital production solutions from the dentist’s chair to the dental lab.“
At 3D Printing Industry we’ve seen the Figure 4 platform in action at various events during the past year. With each public appearance the speed of the technology has improved and this announcement now shows one area where the company plan to commercialize the platform.
In a statement issued by 3D Systems transition plans are identified,
Rik Jacobs, formerly CEO of NextDent & Vertex Dental, will join 3D Systems and lead the company’s worldwide dental business. Connie Peterse-van der Koppel, formerly Chief Development & Regulatory Officer of NextDent & Vertex Dental, will lead 3D Systems’ dental development and regulatory efforts. Together, with their teams, these leaders will continue to deliver materials innovation, regulatory compliance, manufacturing efficiency, and vertical solutions expertise to advance 3D Systems’ solutions across healthcare and other verticals.
Healthcare is a key focus for 3D Systems and company CEO VJ has repeatedly made statements about how this segment is critical to the company’s success. The rationale is that is the 3D printing company can succeed in this tightly regulated market then the valuable business lessons learned will be transferable to other divisions. 3D Systems’ former CEO received criticism for a series of acquisitions that some investors saw as lacking strategic focus.
Investors will certainly be watching closely as to how the integration of NextDent is managed and for further news when the company report numbers in March.
Featured image shows 3D Systems Healthcare Technology Center. Photo by Michael Petch.
