Boston Scientific Corporation, a leading global medical device company, has signed a strategic alliance with Frankenman Medical Equipment Company, a recognized leader with deep local market expertise in the China surgical devices market.

This alliance is expected to enable Boston Scientific and Frankenman to reach more clinicians and treat more patients by providing access to training on less invasive endoscopic technologies and the clinical and economic benefits these therapies can provide. CPEChina Fund, an entity of CITIC PE, is a current shareholder of Frankenman and will continue to support the company's growth in alignment with this strategic partnership.

"Each year, more than one million bile duct stone removal procedures in China are performed as open surgeries.  While less invasive endoscopic procedures can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced health care costs, access to these procedures is extremely limited," said Warren Wang, managing director and vice president, Greater China, Boston Scientific.  "We are excited to cultivate this relationship and leverage Frankenman's local market expertise in China, while simultaneously sharing our proficiency in the endoscopy market to deliver the improved patient outcomes and economic benefits of less invasive care."

Under the terms of the agreement, Boston Scientific will become a shareholder of Frankenman, and provide services and expertise to Frankenman to support its continued growth, development pipeline and manufacturing capabilities. The companies have agreed to work together to develop and manufacture products in China to better serve the unique needs of the Chinese market, as well as jointly commercialize selected products in China.  

"We are excited to collaborate with Boston Scientific, a global medical technology leader, and ensure patients and physicians in China will have access to the minimally invasive solutions," said Weng Zhiqiang, founder and chairman, Frankenman Medical Equipment Company. "The support from Boston Scientific will help Frankenman further accelerate its development and penetration of the market."

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.

Frankenman is a private company headquartered in Suzhou, China.  The company was established in 2003 and is the local market leader in surgical staplers.  The company serves over 1000 hospitals in China, with 200+ full-time and contract employees, and has commercial operations in Europe, Other Asia, Latin America and Africa.