Materialise acquires 75% stake in Engimplan LTDA

Materialise is making a strategic investment in Engimplan, a Brazil-based manufacturer of orthopedic and cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) implants and instruments. The combination of Materialise’s expertise in 3D printed medical solutions with Engimplan’s innovative product portfolio will help to accelerate the introduction of 3D printed, personalized implants and instruments in the Brazilian market.

The Belgian 3D printing pioneer has signed an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Engimplan through a combined acquisition of existing and new shares via its Brazilian subsidiary Engimplan Holding Ltda. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place early August. As part of the transaction, Materialise will gain access to Engimplan’s local production facility; expand Engimplan’s portfolio with its 3D printed implants and expertise; and enter the company’s existing partner and distribution network in Brazil.

Patient-specific implants offer unique benefits for the treatment of orthopedic and cranial trauma and reconstruction. 3D printing provides additional benefits by allowing the development of truly personalized implants that take into account the patient’s unique anatomy.

“Surgical planning and 3D printing are increasingly adopted by orthopedic and CMF surgeons, as they understand the positive impact of personalized implants and patient-specific solutions on surgical outcomes”, says Brigitte de Vet, Vice President and General Manager of Materialise Medical. “With this investment, we will expand our medical product and service portfolio, confirming our commitment to strengthen our position and grow our global presence in the medical industry.”

Established in 1992, Engimplan develops, manufactures and sells orthopedic and CMF implants and instruments in the Brazilian market. Today, its product offering consists of standard solutions and patient-specific CMF implants that are complementary to Materialise’s product portfolio. With Materialise’s in-depth knowledge of 3D printing and experience in developing certified, personalized medical solutions, Engimplan will be able to further expand its innovative product suite.

Materialise has nearly three decades of experience in developing certified medical solutions that help researchers, engineers and clinicians achieve the desired patient outcomes. The company develops 3D imaging and printing solutions that help surgeons more accurately plan and execute operations. In addition, Materialise develops 3D printed, personalized implants and instruments that enable improved surgical and esthetic outcomes, improving patients’ lives.

“This investment by Materialise sends a strong signal to our customers and the industry that we remain committed to developing our innovative solutions that improve the lives of many people, and that we have the confidence and support of a pioneer and global leader in 3D printing”, says José Tadeu Leme, CEO of Engimplan. “Together, we can introduce new levels of innovation in the development of personalized implants in Brazil.”