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Asensus Surgical Announces Closing of Acquisition by KARL STORZ

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Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) has announced the closing of its merger with the KARL STORZ Group. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. has acquired all outstanding shares of Asensus for $0.35 per share in cash. As a result, Asensus has become a subsidiary of KARL STORZ and its common stock has ceased trading on the NYSE American Exchange.

The merger aims to create a surgical robotics hub and drive Performance-Guided Surgery™. KARL STORZ identified Asensus for acquisition due to its talent and technology, particularly its experience with the first-generation Senhance robot and the development of the second-generation LUNA™ System. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative robotic and digital surgical solutions, benefiting patients and surgeons worldwide.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) ha annunciato la chiusura della sua fusione con il Gruppo KARL STORZ. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. ha acquisito tutte le azioni in circolazione di Asensus per $0,35 per azione in contanti. Di conseguenza, Asensus è diventata una sussidiaria di KARL STORZ e le sue azioni ordinarie hanno cessato di essere trattate sulla Borsa di New York American.

La fusione mira a creare un centro di robotica chirurgica e a promuovere la Performance-Guided Surgery™. KARL STORZ ha identificato Asensus per l'acquisizione grazie al suo talento e alla sua tecnologia, in particolare alla sua esperienza con il robot Senhance di prima generazione e allo sviluppo del secondo generazione LUNA™ System. Si prevede che l'acquisizione accelererà lo sviluppo e la consegna di soluzioni innovative di chirurgia robotica e digitale, a beneficio di pazienti e chirurghi in tutto il mondo.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) ha anunciado el cierre de su fusión con el Grupo KARL STORZ. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. ha adquirido todas las acciones en circulación de Asensus por $0,35 por acción en efectivo. Como resultado, Asensus se ha convertido en una subsidiaria de KARL STORZ y sus acciones comunes han dejado de cotizar en la Bolsa de Nueva York American.

La fusión tiene como objetivo crear un centro de robótica quirúrgica y promover la Performance-Guided Surgery™. KARL STORZ identificó a Asensus para la adquisición debido a su talento y tecnología, particularmente su experiencia con el robot Senhance de primera generación y el desarrollo del sistema de segunda generación LUNA™ System. Se espera que la adquisición acelere el desarrollo y la entrega de soluciones quirúrgicas robóticas y digitales innovadoras, beneficiando a pacientes y cirujanos en todo el mundo.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC)가 KARL STORZ 그룹과의 합병 종료를 발표했습니다. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.는 Asensus의 모든 미결제 주식을 주당 $0.35 현금으로 인수했습니다. 그 결과, Asensus는 KARL STORZ의 자회사가 되었고, 자사의 보통주 거래는 NYSE American 거래소에서 중단되었습니다.

이번 합병은 수술 로봇 센터를 만들고 Performance-Guided Surgery™를 추진하기 위한 것입니다. KARL STORZ는 Asensus의 인재와 기술, 특히 첫 번째 세대 Senhance 로봇 경험과 두 번째 세대 LUNA™ 시스템 개발로 인해 인수 대상으로 선정했습니다. 이번 인수는 혁신적인 로봇 및 디지털 수술 솔루션의 개발과 제공을 가속화할 것으로 예상되며, 전 세계의 환자와 외과의사에게 혜택을 줄 것입니다.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) a annoncé la clôture de sa fusion avec le groupe KARL STORZ. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. a acquis toutes les actions en circulation d'Asensus pour 0,35 $ par action en espèces. Par conséquent, Asensus est devenue une filiale de KARL STORZ et son action ordinaire a cessé d'être négociée sur la Bourse NYSE American.

La fusion vise à créer un pôle de robotique chirurgicale et à promouvoir la Performance-Guided Surgery™. KARL STORZ a identifié Asensus pour l'acquisition en raison de son talent et de sa technologie, en particulier de son expérience avec le robot Senhance de première génération et le développement du système de deuxième génération LUNA™ System. L'acquisition devrait accélérer le développement et la livraison de solutions chirurgicales robotiques et numériques innovantes, au bénéfice des patients et des chirurgiens du monde entier.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) hat den Abschluss ihrer Fusion mit der KARL STORZ Gruppe bekannt gegeben. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. hat alle ausstehenden Aktien von Asensus für 0,35 $ pro Aktie in bar erworben. Infolgedessen ist Asensus eine Tochtergesellschaft von KARL STORZ geworden und ihre Stammaktien sind vom NYSE American Exchange abgezogen worden.

Die Fusion hat zum Ziel, ein Zentrum für chirurgische Robotik zu schaffen und die Performance-Guided Surgery™ voranzutreiben. KARL STORZ hat Asensus aufgrund seines Talents und seiner Technologie ausgewählt, insbesondere wegen der Erfahrung mit dem ersten Generation Senhance-Roboter und der Entwicklung des zweiten Generation LUNA™ Systems. Die Übernahme wird voraussichtlich die Entwicklung und Bereitstellung innovativer robotergestützter und digitaler chirurgischer Lösungen beschleunigen, was Patienten und Chirurgen weltweit zugutekommt.

Positive
  • Acquisition price of $0.35 per share in cash for Asensus shareholders
  • Potential acceleration of development and delivery of robotic and digital surgical solutions
  • Complementary technology integration between Asensus and KARL STORZ
  • Enhanced market presence in the growing robotic and digital surgical market
  • Addition of 200+ talented team members to KARL STORZ
Negative
  • Delisting of Asensus Surgical (ASXC) from NYSE American Exchange
  • Loss of independence for Asensus Surgical as it becomes a subsidiary of KARL STORZ
  • LUNA™ System still under development and not yet cleared by regulators or available for sale

Insights

The acquisition of Asensus Surgical by KARL STORZ for $0.35 per share in cash is a significant development in the surgical robotics market. This merger consolidates KARL STORZ's position in the growing robotic and digital surgical sector. For Asensus shareholders, the deal provides an immediate cash return, albeit at a modest premium. The transaction's impact on KARL STORZ's financials isn't disclosed, but the acquisition of Asensus's technology and talent could potentially accelerate KARL STORZ's R&D efforts and market penetration in robotic surgery. Investors should monitor how this acquisition affects KARL STORZ's competitive position against other major players in the surgical robotics field, such as Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic.

This merger represents a strategic move in the evolving landscape of surgical technology. KARL STORZ's acquisition of Asensus brings together complementary strengths: KARL STORZ's expertise in endoscopy and integrated MedTech systems with Asensus's innovations in robotic surgery. The focus on the LUNA™ System, Asensus's second-generation robot, is particularly noteworthy. If successful, LUNA™ could offer significant advancements in robotic precision and dexterity, potentially improving surgical outcomes. However, it's important to note that LUNA™ is still under development and not yet FDA-approved. The success of this merger will largely depend on the seamless integration of technologies and the timely development and market introduction of LUNA™.

This acquisition signals growing consolidation in the surgical robotics market. KARL STORZ's move to acquire Asensus demonstrates the increasing importance of robotic and digital solutions in surgery. The deal could potentially reshape market dynamics, challenging established players like Intuitive Surgical. The emphasis on Performance-Guided Surgery™ aligns with the broader trend towards data-driven, precision medicine. However, the success of this merger will depend on effective integration and the ability to bring innovative products like LUNA™ to market quickly. Investors should watch for potential shifts in market share and any acceleration in the adoption of robotic surgical systems following this merger.

KARL STORZ acquires US-headquartered company to create a surgical robotics hub and drive Perfomance-Guided Surgery™

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TUTTLINGEN, Germany, Aug. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) (“Asensus Surgical” or “Asensus”), a global leader of innovative digital solutions for the operating room, today announced the closing of the merger (the “Merger”) with the KARL STORZ Group (“KARL STORZ”). The transaction was completed following approval by the Asensus Surgical stockholders.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., a wholly owned direct subsidiary of KARL STORZ, has acquired all outstanding shares of Asensus Surgical for $0.35 per share in cash. As a result of the acquisition, Asensus Surgical has become a subsidiary of KARL STORZ and its common stock has ceased trading on the NYSE American Exchange.

"We are thrilled to complete this merger with KARL STORZ, which marks an exciting new chapter for Asensus,” said Anthony Fernando, Asensus Surgical President and CEO. “By joining forces with a leading company in endoscopy that became a system provider for integrated MedTech, we are well-positioned to accelerate the development and delivery of our innovative robotic and digital surgical solutions. This union will benefit patients and surgeons worldwide by advancing precise, safer, and more predictable surgical outcomes."

The closing of this acquisition is a significant milestone for both companies.

"Asensus' cutting-edge technology and expertise in robotic surgery complements our comprehensive portfolio of surgical solutions,” said Karl-Christian Storz, CEO of KARL STORZ. “This enhances our portfolio and market presence, strengthening our position in the growing robotic and digital surgical market, particularly with the development of the next generation LUNA™ system. We are thrilled to welcome 200-plus talented Asensus team members into our company. Together, we will revolutionize healthcare by delivering better outcomes for patients and surgical teams worldwide."

Asensus was identified for acquisition by KARL STORZ for two primary reasons: the organization’s talent and technology. As a potential partner, Asensus turned out to be a perfect fit due to its similar philosophy and vision, and its experience in bringing its first-generation Senhance robot to market. Its second-generation LUNA™ System is also positioned to offer enhanced robotic precision, greater dexterity and a superior range of motion manipulation, which complements KARL STORZ's advanced visualization capabilities.

LUNA™ is currently under development and has not been submitted to, or cleared by, the US FDA or other global regulators, and is not available for sale in any market. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to Asensus Surgical, and Ballard Spahr LLP served as legal counsel to Asensus Surgical. UBS Investment Bank served as financial advisor to KARL STORZ, and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to KARL STORZ.

About Asensus Surgical, Inc.

Asensus Surgical is revolutionizing surgery with the first intra-operative Augmented Intelligence technology approved for use in operating rooms around the world. Recognized as an award-winning leader in digital technology, Asensus is committed to making surgery more accessible and predictable while delivering consistently superior outcomes. Asensus’ novel approach to digitizing laparoscopy has led to system placements globally. Led by engineers, medical professionals, and industry luminaries, Asensus is powered by human ingenuity and driven by collaboration. To learn more about the Senhance® Surgical System and the new LUNA™ System in development, visit www.asensus.com.

About KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG

The medical technology company KARL STORZ was founded in 1945 in Tuttlingen, Germany, and is an international leader in the world of endoscopy. Now in its third generation, the family-owned company employs 9,400 people in more than 40 countries worldwide. The company portfolio includes 13,000 products for human and veterinary medicine. KARL STORZ stands for visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. Sales in the 2023 financial year amounted to 2.17 billion euros. Production sites are located in Germany, the USA, Switzerland and Estonia. KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America is a subsidiary of KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This communication includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements herein due to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those associated with the future development and commercial success of Asensus’ robotic and digital surgical solutions.

KARL STORZ MEDIA CONTACT:

Anja Ebert
Senior Director Corporate Communications
KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG                                                                                         
press@karlstorz.com
+49 162 2800649

ASENSUS SURGICAL CONTACT:

INVESTORS                                                                                                                                   
Mark Klausner or Mike Vallie
ICR Westwicke
invest@asensus.com
443-213-0499

MEDIA    
Dan Ventresca
Matter Communications
AsensusPR@matternow.com
617-874-5488


FAQ

What is the acquisition price for Asensus Surgical (ASXC) shares?

KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. has acquired all outstanding shares of Asensus Surgical (ASXC) for $0.35 per share in cash.

How will the merger between Asensus Surgical and KARL STORZ affect ASXC stock?

As a result of the acquisition, Asensus Surgical (ASXC) has become a subsidiary of KARL STORZ and its common stock has ceased trading on the NYSE American Exchange.

What are the main reasons KARL STORZ acquired Asensus Surgical (ASXC)?

KARL STORZ identified Asensus Surgical (ASXC) for acquisition primarily due to its talent and technology, including its experience with the Senhance robot and the development of the LUNA™ System.

What is the current status of Asensus Surgical's LUNA™ System as of August 2024?

As of August 2024, the LUNA™ System is still under development and has not been submitted to or cleared by the US FDA or other global regulators. It is not available for sale in any market.

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