The proposed acquisition would combine the two largest providers of outsourced hydrophilic coatings, Surmodics and Biocoat, which is majority owned by GTCR, giving the merged company control of over 50% of the market, according to a March 6 news release from the agency.
The coatings play a vital role in medical devices such as catheters and guidewires.
The FTC warned that eliminating competition between Surmodics and Biocoat would lead to high prices, reduced innovation and lower-quality products, ultimately harming medical devices and patients.
Becker’s reached out to GTCR BC Holdings and Surmodics for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
