Valeant To Acquire Aesthetic Device Maker

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of skin aesthetics device maker Solta Medical, Inc for approximately $250 million. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014.

Solta designs, develops, manufactures, and markets energy-based medical device systems for aesthetic applications.  Solta's products include the Thermage CPT system that provides non-invasive treatment options using radiofrequency energy for skin tightening, the Fraxel repair system for use in dermatological procedures requiring ablation, coagulation, and resurfacing of soft tissue, the Clear + Brilliant system to improve skin texture and help prevent the signs of aging skin, and the Liposonix system that destroys unwanted fat cells resulting in waist circumference reduction.  Solta's total revenue were approximately $145 million last year.

“The acquisition of Solta will bring tremendous value to Valeant's current aesthetic portfolio and together with our previous acquisitions, will create the broadest aesthetic portfolio in the industry,” stated J. Michael Pearson, chairman and CEO of Valeant.  “Solta's leading aesthetic devices are a natural fit with Valeant's facial injectables, professional skin care products and physician dispensed products and will establish Valeant in a strong leadership position as we continue to build our presence in the aesthetic market.  Moreover, this transaction will further enhance our ability to offer dermatologists and plastic surgeons the most comprehensive aesthetic product offering.”

According to Mark Sieczkarek, chairman of the board and interim CEO of Solta Medical, Valeant “has a proven track record of successfully integrating a number of major acquisitions into their portfolio and has established a significant presence in the aesthetics market.  The addition of Solta's industry leading brands and global sales organization creates a very compelling platform for future growth in the medical aesthetic segment.  Our entire team looks forward to executing a smooth transition of our operations into the Valeant organization.”