Intuitive Announces Plans to Sell Direct in Italy, Spain, Portugal
Intuitive announced today it intends to establish a direct presence in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, and San Marino, and associated territories via the acquisition of the da Vinci and Ion distribution businesses in these countries.
Intuitive has entered into this agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, with the current Intuitive technology distributors ab medica, Abex, Excelencia Robotica, and their affiliates to purchase their Intuitive product-related business. The transaction will not close until 2026, after approvals have been received and closing conditions met.
“Intuitive is excited to continue to invest in the significant opportunity to bring safe, minimally invasive care to more patients across Europe,” said Intuitive CEO Gary Guthart. “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.”
Upon deal closure in 2026, the da Vinci and Ion business of ab medica, Abex, and Excelencia Robotica will be wholly owned by Intuitive, and business operations will be integrated into Intuitive’s European commercial and marketing organization, led by Senior Vice President and General Manager Dirk Barten.
“Intuitive is grateful for the years of strong business and dedication these companies have provided—their leadership has helped establish robotic technology with physicians and their patients in Europe,” said Barten.
“We look forward to integrating these teams upon deal closure,” said Barten. “Developing direct relationships with customers in these countries is critical for building greater patient access to minimally invasive care.”
“We are proud to have introduced robotic-assisted surgery more than two decades ago in Italy and Southern Europe, as one of the first da Vinci distributors in the world. In 2026 we will continue on our path of innovation in service of patients, care, and healthcare professionals,” said ab medica CEO Francesca Cerruti.
“Over the past forty years, we have become distributors of major technologies across numerous clinical specialties and become producers of solutions and services for smart and digital health. We will continue this journey, and we thank those who have believed with us in da Vinci surgery, and Intuitive for the trust they have placed in us,” said Cerruti.
Source: Intuitive