Ottobock strengthens distribution capacity across the pond after acquisition set-back
Ottobock is aiming to enhance its logistical capabilities and improve access to its mobility solutions in North America following an investment in leading orthotic & prosthetic (O&P) distributor Cascade Orthopedic Supply.
Confirming in January 2020 that Ottobock had made an investment in the company, the two companies will look to collaborate to drive efficiencies in supply chain operations, said the giant German manufacturer.
“The Cascade team brings a wealth of knowledge from the supply chain management and e-commerce arenas. Together with our subsidiaries in 59 countries, this investment will help us advance our logistics operations and support Ottobock’s global patient care network”, commented Prof. Näder, President and Chairman of the Board of Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA.
Founded in 1973, Cascade Orthopedic Supply is a leading O&P distributor in the region, boasting four distribution facilities located in California, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania and distributing products from more than 250 suppliers.
“We believe that by leveraging the strengths we both bring to the table, we will be better suited to serve our customers and the individuals who depend on our products”, added Ottobock CEO Philipp Schulte-Noelle.
The investment follows Ottobock’s acquisition of Belgian O&P specialist Vigo in November 2019, expanding Ottobock’s PatientCare Network and distribution base in Europe, with Vigo operating 17 patient care centres in Belgium and 12 in Poland.
Commenting on the Ottobock investment and collaboration, Jeff Collins, President of Cascade said: “We share a like-minded mission with Ottobock to provide our customers with product, business, and service solutions that will improve the quality of patient care. This investment will ensure our ability to grow, scale, and deliver on this promise.”
Ottobock North America’s investment in Cascade comes after the United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered Ottobock to undo its acquisition of California-based Freedom Innovations.
Deeming the acquisition and merger of the two manufacturers as weakening competition in the computer-controlled prosthetic knee market, the FTC in November 2019 ordered to divest the assets obtained from Freedom Innovations and sell them to an FTC-approved buyer.
Recently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) also confirmed it is to provide Ottobock with access to funding worth up to €100 million to enable the German O&P and mobility manufacturer to invest in developing med-tech innovations in the coming years.
https://thiis.co.uk/ottobock-strengthens-distribution-capacity-across-the-pond-after-acquisition-set-back/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ottobock-Cascade-investment.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ottobock-Cascade-investment-150x150.jpgMergers & AcquisitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade Newsacquisition,Cascade Orthopedic Supply,distribution,European Investment Bank,Federal Trade Commission,Freedom Innovations,FTC,logistics,North America,orthotics,Ottobock,prosthetics,supply chain management,VigoOttobock is aiming to enhance its logistical capabilities and improve access to its mobility solutions in North America following an investment in leading orthotic & prosthetic (O&P) distributor Cascade Orthopedic Supply. Confirming in January 2020 that Ottobock had made an investment in the company, the two companies will look to...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine