Medtronic plc, one of the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies,  announced it acquired privately-held Bellco, a pioneer in hemodialysis treatment solutions. Bellco's portfolio bolsters Medtronic's legacy renal access business and will be a foundational component of the company's recently formed renal care solutions business.

Bellco has created therapies and systems for the treatment of renal failure, multiple organ failure and sepsis. Bellco's full line of dialyzers and chronic and acute dialysis machines perform dialysis for adult, pediatric and neonatal ESRD patients. For more than 40 years, Bellco has offered advanced blood purification treatments for ESRD patients with chronic and acute kidney injury. The company's solutions are available in more than 50 countries.  

"ESRD patients require dialysis for the remainder of their lives, or until a viable kidney transplant becomes available. We believe Medtronic's renal care solutions can offer better, more accessible and affordable solutions to the growing population of people living with ESRD," said Ven Manda, president of renal care solutions, Medtronic. "The integration of Bellco's portfolio of solutions will help further advance Medtronic's efforts to provide comprehensive care for dialysis patients worldwide."

Medtronic acquired Bellco, an Italian-based company, from Charme Capital Partners, manager of the pan-European Charme Funds. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"I believe Medtronic is an excellent opportunity for the Bellco team and ESRD patients worldwide. In four years, we created the ideal conditions to attract a global industry leader that is positioned to support Bellco's long-term growth strategy," said Matteo di Montezemolo, founder and managing partner of the Charme Funds.

The formation of the renal care solutions business combined with the Bellco acquisition supports Medtronic's economic value strategy. Partnering with stakeholders in healthcare, Medtronic is better positioned to offer products and services that deliver clinical and economic value to the healthcare system. Medtronic is focused on leading the shift to value based healthcare, which rewards those who can deliver quality healthcare to more people at the most affordable cost.

The Bellco transaction is expected to meet Medtronic's long-term financial metrics for acquisitions. Medtronic expects the net impact from the transaction to be earnings neutral in fiscal year 2016 and neutral to accretive to earnings thereafter. Medtronic will report revenue from Bellco and its renal care solutions business as part of the Minimally Invasive Technologies Group's Patient Monitoring & Recovery division.

Bellco, headquartered in Mirandola, Italy, is a pioneer in blood purification treatments.  It has created therapies and systems for the treatment of renal failure, multiple organ failure and sepsis.

Medtronic plc headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries.