Johnson & Johnson to buy orthopedic device maker Synthes for $21.3 billion

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), the world’s most comprehensive and broadly-based manufacturer of health care products, and Synthes, Inc. (SWX:SYST.VX), a premier global manufacturer of orthopaedic devices, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Johnson & Johnson will acquire Synthes for CHF159 per share, or $21.3 billion. Upon completion of this transaction, Synthes and the DePuy Companies of Johnson & Johnson together will comprise the largest business within the Medical Devices and Diagnostics segment of Johnson & Johnson.

Under the terms of the agreement, each share of Synthes common stock, subject to certain conditions, will be exchanged for CHF55.65 in cash and CHF103.35 in Johnson & Johnson common stock. The transaction has an estimated net acquisition cost of $19.3 billion as of the close of business on April 26, 2011, based on Synthes approximately 119.5 million fully diluted shares outstanding and approximately $2 billion in cash on hand as of signing.

The Boards of Directors of Johnson & Johnson and Synthes have each approved the transaction. Dr. Hansjoerg Wyss, Synthes founder and Chairman of the Board, and related parties have agreed to vote shares representing not less than 33% of Synthes common stock in support of the transaction.

DePuy offers one of the most diverse orthopaedics portfolios in the industry, while Synthes is recognized for its innovations in trauma, spine, cranio-maxillofacial and power tools. Together, the companies will offer surgeons and patients a unique breadth and depth of technology and service worldwide to meet their orthopaedic needs.

“DePuy and Synthes together will create the most innovative and comprehensive orthopaedics business in the world and enable us to better serve clinicians and patients worldwide,” said Bill Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. “Orthopaedics is a large and growing $37 billion global market and represents an important growth driver for Johnson & Johnson. Synthes is widely respected for its innovative high-quality products, world-class R&D capabilities, its commitment to education, the highest standards of service, and extensive global footprint.”

Said Dr. Wyss, Founder and Chairman of Synthes, “The combination of Synthes and Johnson & Johnson, two organizations focused on the best patient care and improving health care throughout the globe, is a very exciting and promising one. It will ensure that physicians and hospitals will receive the utmost possible support in cooperation with the AO Foundation to help their patients. The Synthes family will find a great home and support from Johnson & Johnson and will continue operating with its distinct culture and excellence in product development and physician education together with the AO Foundation. I am very pleased and excited that my life’s work will continue as part of Johnson & Johnson.”

Said Michel Orsinger, President and CEO of Synthes, “Synthes and Johnson & Johnson are both respected as global leaders, sharing the mission of delivering the highest possible standard of patient care and also have very similar company cultures. The combination presents a significant opportunity to jointly bring our products, services and educational offerings to the next level. Together, we will be a more attractive and exciting company for our employees, and a more resourceful partner for our customers.”

Synthes and DePuy would be well positioned to address significant market trends. These include an aging population, patient desire to remain active, increasing rates of obesity and the resulting impact on joint disease, growing treatment demands in emerging markets, and a movement toward earlier intervention.

Specifically, DePuy and Synthes together would bring:

• Product development capabilities and robust pipelines from the two organizations, as well as potential for technology convergence across Johnson & Johnson that would target transformational innovation to enhance patient care;
• Global reach to bring a broader portfolio of orthopaedics solutions to more people around the world in developed and particularly in emerging markets; and
• Renowned leadership and expertise in professional education, and commitment to serving the medical community.

Under the terms of the agreement, each share of Synthes common stock will be exchanged for CHF55.65 in cash and CHF103.35 in Johnson & Johnson common stock, provided the volume weighted average Johnson & Johnson common stock price, as calculated in CHF, is between CHF52.54 and CHF60.45 during the 10-day trading period ending on and including the trading day that is two trading days prior to the transaction closing (calculation based on World Market Fix rate for each of the trading days in the 10-day trading period). Each Synthes share exchanged would be converted into CHF55.65 in cash, plus not more than 1.9672 and not fewer than 1.7098 shares of Johnson & Johnson common stock.

The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2012. For 2011, the transaction is not expected to impact the Company’s previously issued guidance for adjusted earnings per share*. For 2012, the transaction is currently anticipated to have a modestly dilutive impact on adjusted earnings per share*. Additional commentary regarding the financial impact will be discussed during the conference call noted below. Johnson & Johnson and Synthes will not be available for further comment until after the conference call has concluded.

The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, approval by the European Commission and regulatory approval in certain other jurisdictions, as well as other customary closing conditions. The merger will require the approval of Synthes’ stockholders, and will be effected by way of a statutory merger under Delaware law. Since Synthes is incorporated outside of Switzerland, Swiss takeover regulations do not apply to the merger.