Exactech acquires Brighton Partners

Exactech, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products for hip, knee, shoulder, spine and biologic materials, announced today that the company has acquired Brighton Partners, Inc., the sole source supplier of the direct compression molded polyethylene bearings used exclusively in Exactech's flagship product, the Optetrak® knee replacement system. The acquisition includes the company's assets, technology and know-how to continue manufacturing at the Sarasota, Fla.-based facility. Exactech plans to retain the Brighton Partners employees and to add additional staff as needed to support the company's future growth.

“Exactech's acquisition of Brighton Partners is a logical step in assuring continual development and growth in Exactech's knee product line.”

Exactech President David Petty stressed the importance of this strategic supply chain acquisition. "Protecting this proprietary technology is of critical importance to our knee product line, which represented more than $75 million of our total 2009 revenue. The acquisition also provides structure and resources for production expansion to support our worldwide growth," Petty said. The all-cash transaction for $5.5 million does not change any of Exactech's previous financial guidance.

Direct compression molded polyethylene bearings are a key component of Exactech's knee replacement system. The bearings provide a smooth, gliding surface between metal components that are used to replace the damaged ends of a patient's femur (thigh) and tibia (shin) bones. Like a patient's real knee, the surface between these bones is subject to wear, making polyethylene a key factor in knee implant longevity.

Albert Burstein, Ph.D, majority owner of Brighton Partners, was the lead design engineer for the Optetrak knee implant and developed the process for manufacturing the direct compression molded polyethylene used in the Opetrak knee. This material technology is a distinguishing design feature that has been shown in laboratory studies to deliver very low wear, which contributes to the knee system's excellent long-term clinical results.

"Exactech has been our major customer throughout our history," Burstein said. "Exactech's acquisition of Brighton Partners is a logical step in assuring continual development and growth in Exactech's knee product line."