Intuitive Surgical, a developer of surgical robotics, has announced its plans to establish a direct presence in Italy, Spain, and Portugal while expanding into Malta, San Marino, and associated territories.
The company intends to achieve this expansion by acquiring its current distributors’ operations for its da Vinci and Ion systems in these regions.
The deal, which is contingent on regulatory approvals, involves an agreement with Intuitive’s existing distributors: ab medica, Abex, and Excelencia Robotica, along with their affiliates. If all conditions are met, the company expects the transaction to close in 2026.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Intuitive Surgical plans to integrate the acquired businesses into its European operations.
This expansion builds on the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its footprint in Europe, following recent announcements of robust growth in its surgical procedure volumes.
Intuitive Surgical reported a 17% increase in worldwide da Vinci-assisted procedures in 2024, with an 18% rise in the fourth quarter alone. The company anticipates continued growth in procedure volumes in 2025, projecting a 13% to 16% increase.
While the expansion into Southern Europe marks a significant milestone, Intuitive is also facing potential challenges in other international markets. Analysts raised concerns about the company’s reliance on manufacturing in Mexico, where it produces 90% of its instrument and accessory products.
With the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs on goods imported from Mexico to the US beginning February 1, analysts from BTIG noted the possibility of a significant impact on Intuitive’s earnings per share (EPS).
Although it remains unclear whether the tariffs would apply to all products manufactured in Mexico, analysts estimated that the tariffs could reduce Intuitive’s EPS by up to 6% in 2025, with mitigations potentially lowering the impact to around 4.2%.
The company’s Q4 earnings, set to be released on 23 January, are expected to provide further insight into how these international challenges could affect Intuitive’s financial performance in the coming year.
Gary Guthart, CEO of Intuitive Surgical, said: “Intuitive is excited to continue to invest in the significant opportunity to bring safe, minimally invasive care to more patients across Europe.
“Having a direct presence in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, and San Marino, and associated territories allows us to deepen our understanding of unique customer needs in these countries.”
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