3M announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire
IMTEC Corp., a manufacturer of dental implants and cone beam computed
tomography (CBCT) scanning equipment for dental and medical radiology
headquartered in Ardmore, Okla. Terms of the transaction were not
disclosed.
This acquisition gives 3M ESPE access to two of the fastest growing
segments in the dental industry. “Our combined
digital products and expertise will enable a digital ‘total
restorative’ approach with more options than
ever, including IMTEC implants, 3MTM ESPETM
LavaTM crowns, and 3M’s
advanced digital workflow solutions,” said
Jeffrey Lavers, vice president and general manager, 3M ESPE. “Together,
we will have an end-to-end implantology solution, making the process
easier, faster and better for dentists everywhere.”
Dental implants are rapidly emerging as a standard of care for
dentistry. A titanium screw replaces the roots of an extracted tooth and
is integrated into the bone structure of the jaw over the course of a
few months to become a highly-stable platform for a crown, bridge, or
full-arch denture. Implants offer several advantages over traditional
crown and bridge work such as no preparation of adjacent teeth, better
esthetics, and no resorption of bone in the jaw.
IMTEC is best known for its mini dental implants, which are
small-diameter, single-unit dental implants that don’t
require invasive surgery so bone trauma is minimal and patient
discomfort is limited. Mini dental implants are primarily used for
denture fixation, but are also appropriate for orthodontic anchorage.
“We are looking forward to the reputation,
resources and worldwide reach that 3M brings to help us build this
business,” said Ron Bulard, DDS and Chairman
of the Board, IMTEC Corp. “Its overall
strength in oral care with both the 3M ESPE and 3M Unitek divisions
makes them a particularly good partner for us.”
One of the world’s largest suppliers to the
dental industry, 3M manufactures and markets a wide range of products
and services used by dental professionals worldwide to improve oral
health. These products are designed to meet restorative, crown and
bridge, orthodontic, preventive, infection control, and cosmetic
dentistry needs. 3M’s current digital
dentistry offering includes the Lava crown and bridge system –
an innovative restorative design and milling system that has become a
benchmark of quality among dentists and dental labs.
IMTEC employs approximately 230 people located at its operations in
Ardmore; Los Alamos, N.M.; and Boulder, Colo. The transaction is
expected to close in the third quarter, subject to customary closing
conditions.
About IMTEC Corp.
IMTEC Corp.’s primary focus is on dental
applications and the development of new technology to simplify
dentistry. IMTEC created a revolution in implantology with the
introduction of the MDI Implant line and has grown into the global
leader in small diameter implants.
IMTEC’s ILUMA system is a leader in Cone Beam
Computed Tomography for dentistry and medicine. With this technology and
IMTEC’s groundbreaking applications, its
customers can access the power of three-dimensional radiography in the
convenience of their own offices. IMTEC also produces a wide array of
industrial CT scanning equipment powered by its proprietary and award
winning FlashCT™ software and its
internationally recognized engineering team. For more information, visit www.imtec.com.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands
of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s
core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms –
often in combination – to a wide array of
customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people
worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more
information, visit www.3M.com.
