Furthering its commitment to improve outcomes, expand therapy access, and optimize costs and efficiencies in end stage renal disease (ESRD), Medtronic 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 Mr 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 Mr Matteo di Montezemolo, founder and managing partner of the Charme Funds.