Medtronic plc
Volume 173 · 173 F.T.C. 930
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Medtronic plc, 173 F.T.C. 930 (2022). Consumer Law Library, https://consumerlawlibrary.org/decisions/v173-0020
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IN THE MATTER OF MEDTRONIC PLC, MEDTRONIC, INC., AND INTERSECT ENT, INC.
CONSENT ORDER, ETC. IN REGARD TO ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT AND SECTION 7 OF THE CLAYTON ACT Docket No. C-4763; File No. 211 0184 Complaint, May 7, 2022 – Decision, June 27, 2022 This consent order addresses the $1.1 billion acquisition by Medtronic, Inc. of certain assets of Intersect ENT, Inc. The complaint alleges that the Acquisition violated Section 7 of the Clayton Act and that the Acquisition agreement constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act by substantially lessening competition markets for balloon sinus dilation products and ear, nose, and throat (“ENT”) navigation systems in the United States. The consent order requires Respondents to divest the assets and business of Intersect’s subsidiary Fiagon AG Medical Technologies to Hemostasis, LLC.
Participants For the Commission: Charles Dickinson, and Stephanie A. Wilkinson. For the Respondents: Mike McFalls and Jonathan Klarfeld, Ropes & Gray LLP; Jackie Grise, Cooley LLP.
COMPLAINT Pursuant to the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), and its authority thereunder, the Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”), having reason to believe that Respondent Medtronic plc, through its subsidiary Respondent Medtronic, Inc., has entered into an agreement to acquire Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc., that such acquisition, if consummated, would violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45, and that a proceeding in respect thereof would be in the public interest, hereby issues this complaint, stating its charges as follows. I. RESPONDENTS 1. Respondent Medtronic plc is a public limited company organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Ireland, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 20 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2, and its United States address for service of process is 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432. 2. Respondent Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”), is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Minnesota, with its executive MEDTRONIC PLC 931 Complaint offices and principal place of business located at 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432.
3. Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc. (“Intersect”), is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 1555 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, California 94025.
4. Each Respondent, either directly or through its subsidiaries, is, and at all times relevant herein has been, engaged in commerce, as “commerce” is defined in Section 1 of the Clayton Act as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 12, and Section 4 of the FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 44.
II. THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION 5. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 6, 2021, Medtronic proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Intersect (“the Acquisition”) for approximately $1.1 billion.
6. The Acquisition is subject to Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18.
III. NATURE OF THE CASE 7. Medtronic is a large conglomerate medical device manufacturer with an outsized presence in markets for devices used in ear, nose, and throat (“ENT”) procedures. Of most relevance here, Medtronic holds a dominant position in the market for ENT navigation systems and is one of only four current competitors in the market for balloon sinus dilation products. The Acquisition would give Medtronic control of the Intersect subsidiary, Fiagon, which is a nascent, innovative competitor to Medtronic for ENT devices, specifically ENT navigation systems and balloon sinus dilation products. But for the Acquisition, Fiagon would be a competitive threat to Medtronic’s continued market dominance in ENT navigation systems and would provide physicians and their patients new and innovative treatment options in competition with Medtronic and its other competitors.
IV. THE RELEVANT MARKETS 8. The relevant lines of commerce in which to analyze the effects of the Acquisition are the research, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and sale of (a) balloon sinus dilation products and (b) ENT navigation systems. 9. The United States is the relevant geographic area in which to analyze the effects of the Acquisition in the relevant lines of commerce.
VOLUME 173 Complaint V. MARKET STRUCTURE 10. The markets for the research, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and sale of balloon sinus dilation products and ENT navigation systems are both highly concentrated. Beyond Medtronic and Fiagon, there are only two significant competitors in the market for balloon sinus dilation products—Acclarent, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson; and Stryker Corporation, the now owner of Entellus Medical. Therefore, the Acquisition, if consummated, would reduce the number of independent manufacturers of balloon sinus dilation products from four to three. Fiagon, having just entered the U.S. market in 2021 after securing regulatory approvals, is poised to become an important competitive constraint on these established ENT market leaders, including Medtronic. Medtronic’s dominant position in ENT navigation systems is challenged only by Acclarent, Stryker, Brainlab AG, Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, and Fiagon.
VI. BARRIERS TO ENTRY 11. Entry into each relevant market would not be timely, likely, or sufficient to deter or counteract the anticompetitive effects arising from the Acquisition. De novo entry would not take place in a timely manner because product development times, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval requirements, and market adoption times are lengthy. A potential entrant into the relevant markets would also need to develop a reputation for consistent quality and service before physicians and health systems would substitute them for currently marketed devices. VII. EFFECTS OF THE ACQUISITION 12. The effects of the Acquisition, if consummated, may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly in the relevant markets in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45, by:
a. eliminating actual, direct, and future competition between Medtronic and Intersect in the relevant markets; and b. increasing the likelihood in the relevant markets that (1) Medtronic would unilaterally exercise market power, (2) research and development would be reduced, and (3) customers would be forced to pay higher prices. VIII. VIOLATIONS CHARGED 13. The Acquisition, if consummated, would violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45. 14. The Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by Respondents constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45. MEDTRONIC PLC 933 Order to Maintain Assets IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Federal Trade Commission, having caused this Complaint to be signed by the Secretary and its official seal affixed, at Washington, D.C., this seventh day of May 2022, issues its Complaint against Respondents.
By the Commission.
ORDER TO MAINTAIN ASSETS The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”) initiated an investigation of the proposed acquisition by Respondent Medtronic, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Respondent Medtronic plc, of Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc. (collectively “Respondents”). The Commission’s Bureau of Competition prepared and furnished to Respondents the Draft Complaint, which it proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration. If issued by the Commission, the Draft Complaint would charge Respondents with violations of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45. Respondents and the Bureau of Competition executed an Agreement Containing Consent Orders (“Consent Agreement”) containing (1) an admission by Respondents of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the Draft Complaint, (2) a statement that the signing of said Consent Agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by Respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in the Draft Complaint, or that the facts as alleged in the Draft Complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true, (3) waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission’s Rules, and (4) a proposed Decision and Order and Order to Maintain Assets.
The Commission having therefore considered the matter and having determined to accept the executed Consent Agreement and to place such Consent Agreement on the public record for a period of 30 days for the receipt and consideration of public comments, now in further conformity with the procedure described in Commission Rule 2.34, 16 C.F.R. § 2.34, the Commission hereby issues its Complaint, makes the following jurisdictional findings, and issues this Order to Maintain Assets:
1. Respondent Medtronic plc is a public limited company organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Ireland, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 20 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2, and its United States address for service of process is 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432.
2. Respondent Medtronic, Inc., is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Minnesota, with its VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets executive offices and principal place of business located at 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432.
3. Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc., is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 1555 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, California 94025.
4. The Commission has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this proceeding and over the Respondents, and the proceeding is in the public interest. ORDER I. Definitions IT IS ORDERED that the definitions used in the Consent Agreement and the Decision and Order shall be incorporated in this Order to Maintain Assets by reference and made a part hereof.
II. Asset Maintenance IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall, subject to their obligations under this Order to Maintain Assets, ensure that the Fiagon Assets are operated and maintained in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices until such assets are fully transferred to the Acquirer, and shall:
A. Take all actions necessary to maintain the full economic viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets, to minimize the risk of any loss of their competitive potential, to operate them in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, and to prevent their destruction, removal, wasting, deterioration, or impairment (other than as a result of ordinary wear and tear);
B. Not sell, transfer, encumber, or otherwise impair the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets (other than in the manner prescribed in the Orders), or take any action that lessens their full economic viability, marketability, or competitiveness; C. Not terminate the operations of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets, and shall conduct or cause to be conducted the operations of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with past practice (including regular repair and maintenance efforts) and as may be necessary to preserve the full economic viability, ongoing operations, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets; and MEDTRONIC PLC 935 Order to Maintain Assets D. Use best efforts to preserve the existing relationships with suppliers, customers, employees, governmental authorities, vendors, landlords, and others having business relationships with the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets. Provided, however, that Respondents may take actions that the Acquirer has requested or agreed to in writing and that have been approved in advance by Commission staff, in all cases to facilitate the Acquirer’s acquisition of the Fiagon Assets and consistent with the purposes of the Orders. III. Transition Assistance IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Until Respondents have transferred all Business Information included in the Fiagon Assets, Respondents shall ensure that the Business Information is maintained and updated in the ordinary course of business and shall provide the Acquirer with access to records and information (wherever located and however stored) that Respondents have not yet transferred to the Acquirer, and to employees who possess the records and information.
B. Respondents shall provide the Acquirer with Transition Assistance sufficient to (1) efficiently transfer the Fiagon Assets to the Acquirer, and (2) assist the Acquirer in operating the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business in all material respects in the manner in which Respondent Intersect did so prior to the Acquisition. C. Respondents shall provide such Transition Assistance: 1. As set forth in the Divestiture Agreements, or as otherwise reasonably requested by the Acquirer (whether before or after the Divestiture Date); 2. At Direct Cost; and 3. For a period sufficient to meet the requirements of this Section III, which shall be, at the option of the Acquirer, for one year after the Divestiture Date;
Provided, however, that within 15 days after a request by the Acquirer, Respondents shall file with the Commission a written request to extend the time period for providing Transition Assistance in order to achieve the purposes of the Orders. D. Respondents shall allow the Acquirer to terminate, in whole or part, any Transition Assistance provisions of the Divestiture Agreements upon commercially reasonable notice and without cost or penalty.
E. Respondents shall not cease providing Transition Assistance due to a breach by the Acquirer of the Divestiture Agreements, and shall not limit any damages (including VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets indirect, special, and consequential damages) that the Acquirer would be entitled to receive in the event of Respondents’ breach of the Divestiture Agreements. IV. Employees IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Until 6 months after the Divestiture Date, Respondents shall cooperate with and assist the Acquirer of the Fiagon Assets to evaluate independently and offer employment to the Fiagon Employees.
B. Respondents shall:
1. No later than 10 days after a request from the Acquirer, provide to the Acquirer a list of all Fiagon Employees and provide Employee Information for each;
2. No later than 10 days after a request from the Acquirer, provide the Acquirer an opportunity to meet outside the presence or hearing of any employee or agent of Respondents with any of the Fiagon Employees, and to make offers of employment to any of the Fiagon Employees;
3. Remove any impediments within the control of Respondents that may deter Fiagon Employees from accepting employment with the Acquirer, including removal of any noncompete or confidentiality provisions of employment or other Contracts with Respondents that may affect the ability or incentive of those individuals to be employed by the Acquirer, and shall not make any counteroffer to a Fiagon Employee who receives an offer of employment from the Acquirer;
Provided, however, that nothing in the Orders shall be construed to require Respondents to terminate the employment of any employee or prevent Respondents from continuing the employment of any employee; 4. Continue to provide Fiagon Employees compensation and benefits, including regularly scheduled raises and bonuses and the vesting of benefits while they are employed by Respondents; and 5. Not interfere, directly or indirectly, with the hiring or employing by the Acquirer of any Fiagon Employee, not offer any incentive to such employees to decline employment with the Acquirer, and not otherwise interfere with the recruitment of any Fiagon Employee by the Acquirer. C. Respondents shall provide financial incentives for Fiagon Employees to continue in their positions and, as may be necessary, to facilitate their employment by the Acquirer.
MEDTRONIC PLC 937 Order to Maintain Assets D. Respondents shall not, for a period of 180 days following the Divestiture Date, directly or indirectly, solicit or otherwise attempt to induce any of the Fiagon Employees who have accepted offers of employment with the Acquirer to terminate his or her employment with the Acquirer;
Provided, however, Respondents may:
1. Hire an employee whose employment has been terminated by the Acquirer; 2. Advertise for employees in newspapers, trade publications, or other media, or engage recruiters to conduct general employee search activities, in either case not targeted specifically at one or more Fiagon Employees; or 3. Hire an employee who has applied for employment with Respondents, as long as such application was not solicited or induced in violation of this Section IV.
V. Confidentiality IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Respondents shall not disclose (including to Respondents’ employees), and not use, for any reason or purpose, any Confidential Business Information received or maintained by Respondents;
Provided, however, that Respondents may disclose or use such Confidential Business Information in the course of:
1. Performing their obligations or as permitted under the Orders or the Divestiture Agreements; or 2. Complying with financial reporting requirements, obtaining legal advice, prosecuting or defending legal claims, investigations, or enforcing actions threatened or brought against the Fiagon Assets or Fiagon Business, or as required by law.
B. Respondents shall only disclose Confidential Business Information to an employee or any other Person if disclosure is permitted in Paragraph V.A of this Order to Maintain Assets, and the employee or other Person has signed an agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such information and not violate the disclosure requirements of the Orders.
C. Respondents shall enforce the terms of this Section V and take necessary actions to ensure that their employees or other Persons comply with its terms, including implementing access and data controls, training of employees, and taking other VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets actions that Respondents would take to protect their own trade secrets and proprietary information.
VI. Monitor IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. The Commission appoints Jeryl Hilleman as the Monitor to observe and report on Respondents’ compliance with their obligations as set forth in the Orders. B. The Respondents and the Monitor may enter into an agreement relating to the Monitor’s services. Any such agreement:
1. Shall be subject to the approval of the Commission; 2. Shall not limit, and the signatories shall not construe it to limit, the terms of this Section VI or Section VIII of the Decision and Order (“Monitor Sections”), and to the extent any provision in the agreement varies from or conflicts with any provision in the Monitor Sections, Respondents and the Monitor shall comply with the Monitor Sections; and 3. Shall include a provision stating that the agreement does not limit, and the signatories shall not construe it to limit, the terms of the Orders in this matter, and to the extent any provision in the agreement varies from or conflicts with any provision in the Orders, Respondents and the Monitor shall comply with the Orders.
C. The Monitor shall:
1. Have the authority to monitor Respondents’ compliance with the obligations set forth in the Orders;
2. Act in consultation with the Commission or its staff; 3. Serve as an independent third party and not as an employee or agent of Respondents or of the Commission;
4. Serve without bond or other security;
5. At the Monitor’s option, employ such consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants as are reasonably necessary to carry out the Monitor’s duties and responsibilities;
6. Enter into a non-disclosure or other confidentiality agreement with the Commission related to Commission materials and information received in connection with the performance of the Monitor’s duties and require that each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other MEDTRONIC PLC 939 Order to Maintain Assets representatives and assistants shall also enter into a non-disclosure or other confidentiality agreement with the Commission;
7. Notify staff of the Commission, in writing, no later than 5 days in advance of entering into any arrangement that creates a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, including a financial, professional or personal conflict. If the Monitor becomes aware of a such a conflict only after it has arisen, the Monitor shall notify the Commission as soon as the Monitor becomes aware of the conflict;
8. Report in writing to the Commission concerning Respondents’ compliance with the Orders on a schedule set by Commission staff and at any other time requested by Commission staff; and 9. Unless the Commission or its staff determine otherwise, the Monitor shall serve until Commission staff determines that Respondents have satisfied all obligations under Sections II, IV, and VI of the Decision and Order, and files a final report.
D. Respondents shall:
1. Cooperate with and assist the Monitor in performing his or her duties for the purpose of reviewing Respondents’ compliance with their obligations under the Orders, including as requested by the Monitor, (a) providing the Monitor full and complete access to personnel, information, and facilities; and (b) making such arrangements with third parties to facilitate access by the Monitor;
2. Not interfere with the ability of the Monitor to perform his or her duties pursuant to the Orders;
3. Pay the Monitor’s fees and expenses as set forth in an agreement approved by the Commission, or if such agreement has not been approved, pay the Monitor’s customary fees, as well as expenses the Monitor incurs performing his or her duties under the Orders, including expenses of any consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants that are reasonably necessary to assist the Monitor in carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities;
4. Not require the Monitor to disclose to Respondents the substance of the Monitor’s communications with the Commission or any other Person or the substance of written reports submitted to the Commission pursuant to the Orders; and 5. Indemnify and hold the Monitor harmless against any loss, claim, damage, liability, and expense (including attorneys’ fees and out of pocket costs) that VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets arises out of, or is connected with, a claim concerning the performance of the Monitor’s duties under the Orders, unless the loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense results from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Monitor.
E. Respondents may require the Monitor and each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to enter into a customary confidentiality agreement, so long as the agreement does not restrict the Monitor’s ability to access personnel, information, and facilities or provide information to the Commission, or otherwise observe and report on the Respondents’ compliance with the Orders.
F. If the Monitor resigns or the Commission determines that the Monitor has ceased to act, has failed to act diligently, or is otherwise unable to continue serving as a Monitor due to the existence of a conflict or other reasons, the Commission may appoint a substitute Monitor. The substitute Monitor shall be afforded all rights, powers, and authorities and shall be subject to all obligations of the Monitor Sections of the Orders. The Commission shall select the substitute Monitor, subject to the consent of the Respondents.
Respondents:
1. Shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the appointment of the selected substitute Monitor;
2. Shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed substitute Monitor if, within 10 days of notice by staff of the Commission of the identity of the proposed substitute Monitor, Respondents have not opposed in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the selection of the proposed substitute Monitor; and 3. May enter into an agreement with the substitute Monitor relating to the substitute Monitor’s services that either (a) contains substantially the same terms as the Commission-approved agreement referenced in Paragraph VI.B; or (b) receives Commission approval.
G. The Commission may on its own initiative or at the request of the Monitor issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to assure compliance with the requirements of the Orders.
VII. Divestiture Trustee IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. If Respondents have not fully complied with the obligations to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey the Fiagon Assets as required MEDTRONIC PLC 941 Order to Maintain Assets by this Order, the Commission may appoint a trustee (“Divestiture Trustee”) to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey these assets in a manner that satisfies the requirements of the Decision and Order. B. In the event that the Commission or the Attorney General brings an action pursuant to § 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(l), or any other statute enforced by the Commission, Respondents shall consent to the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee in such action to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey these assets. Neither the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee nor a decision not to appoint a Divestiture Trustee under this Section VII shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General from seeking civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, pursuant to § 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other statute enforced by the Commission, for any failure by the Respondents to comply with the Orders.
C. The Commission shall select the Divestiture Trustee, subject to the consent of Respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Divestiture Trustee shall be a person with experience and expertise in acquisitions and divestitures. If Respondents have not opposed, in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the selection of any proposed Divestiture Trustee within 10 days after notice by the staff of the Commission to Respondents of the identity of any proposed Divestiture Trustee, Respondents shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed Divestiture Trustee.
D. Not later than 10 days after the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee, Respondents shall execute a trust agreement that, subject to the prior approval of the Commission, transfers to the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the Divestiture Trustee to effect the relevant divestiture or other action required by the Decision and Order. Any failure by Respondents to comply with a trust agreement approved by the Commission shall be a violation of the Orders. E. If a Divestiture Trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant to this Section VII, Respondents shall consent to the following terms and conditions regarding the Divestiture Trustee’s powers, duties, authority, and responsibilities: 1. Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the Divestiture Trustee shall have the exclusive power and authority to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey the assets that are required by the Decision and Order to be assigned, granted, licensed, divested, transferred, delivered, or otherwise conveyed;
2. The Divestiture Trustee shall have one year from the date the Commission approves the trustee trust agreement described herein to accomplish the divestitures, which shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the one year period, the Divestiture Trustee has VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets submitted a plan of divestiture or the Commission believes that the divestitures can be achieved within a reasonable time, the divestiture period may be extended by the Commission, Provided, however, the Commission may extend the divestiture period only 2 times;
3. Subject to any demonstrated legally recognized privilege, the Divestiture Trustee shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities related to the relevant assets that are required to be assigned, granted, licensed, divested, delivered, or otherwise conveyed by the Decision and Order and to any other relevant information, as the Divestiture Trustee may request. Respondents shall develop such financial or other information as the Divestiture Trustee may request and shall cooperate with the Divestiture Trustee. Respondents shall take no action to interfere with or impede the Divestiture Trustee’s accomplishment of the divestitures. Any delays in divestitures caused by Respondents shall extend the time for divestitures under this Section VII in an amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission or, for a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, by the court;
4. The Divestiture Trustee shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to negotiate the most favorable price and terms available in each Contract that is submitted to the Commission, subject to Respondents’ absolute and unconditional obligation to divest expeditiously and at no minimum price. The divestitures shall be made in the manner and to Acquirers that receive the prior approval of the Commission as required by the Decision and Order, Provided, however, if the Divestiture Trustee receives bona fide offers from more than one acquiring person for a divestiture, and if the Commission determines to approve more than one such acquiring person for the divestiture, the Divestiture Trustee shall divest to the acquiring person selected by Respondents from among those approved by the Commission, Provided further, however, that Respondents shall select such person within 5 days of receiving notification of the Commission’s approval; 5. The Divestiture Trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost and expense of Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the Commission or a court may set. The Divestiture Trustee shall have the authority to employ, at the cost and expense of Respondents, such consultants, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as are necessary to carry out the Divestiture Trustee’s duties and responsibilities. The Divestiture Trustee shall account for all monies derived from the divestiture and all expenses incurred. After approval by the Commission of MEDTRONIC PLC 943 Order to Maintain Assets the account of the Divestiture Trustee, including fees for the Divestiture Trustee’s services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of the Respondents, and the Divestiture Trustee’s power shall be terminated. The compensation of the Divestiture Trustee shall be based at least in significant part on a commission arrangement contingent on the divestiture of all of the relevant assets that are required to be divested by the Decision and Order; 6. Respondents shall indemnify the Divestiture Trustee and hold the Divestiture Trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or defense of, any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Divestiture Trustee; 7. The Divestiture Trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Fiagon Assets required to be divested by the Decision and Order;
8. The Divestiture Trustee shall report in writing to Respondents and to the Commission every 30 days concerning the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to accomplish the divestiture; and 9. Respondents may require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to sign a customary confidentiality agreement, Provided, however, that such agreement shall not restrict the Divestiture Trustee from providing any information to the Commission. F. The Commission may, among other things, require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to sign a confidentiality agreement related to Commission materials and information received in connection with the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties.
G. If the Commission determines that a Divestiture Trustee has ceased to act or failed to act diligently, the Commission may appoint a substitute Divestiture Trustee in the same manner as provided in this Section VII.
H. The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, the court, may on its own initiative or at the request of the Divestiture Trustee issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestitures and other obligations or action required by the Decision and Order. VOLUME 173 Order to Maintain Assets VIII. Prior Approval IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall not, without prior approval of the Commission, acquire directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, partnerships, or otherwise, any rights or interests, in whole or in part, in any balloon sinus dilation products or ENT navigation systems.
IX. Compliance Reports IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Respondents shall:
1. Notify Commission staff via email at [email protected] of the Acquisition Date and Divestiture Date no later than 5 days after the occurrence of each; and 2. Submit the complete Divestiture Agreements to the Commission at [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 30 days after the Divestiture Date.
B. Respondents shall submit verified written reports (“compliance reports”) in accordance with the following:
1. Respondents shall submit compliance reports 30 days after this Order to Maintain Assets is issued and every 30 days thereafter until the Commission issues a Decision and Order in this matter, and additional compliance reports as the Commission or its staff may request.
2. Each compliance report shall contain sufficient information and documentation to enable the Commission to determine independently whether Respondents are in compliance with the Orders. Conclusory statements that Respondents have complied with their obligations under the Orders are insufficient. Respondents shall include in their reports, among other information or documentation that may be necessary to demonstrate compliance, a full description of the measures Respondents have implemented and plan to implement to comply with each paragraph of the Orders.
3. For a period of 5 years after filing a compliance report, each Respondent shall retain all material written communications with each party identified in the compliance report and all non-privileged internal memoranda, reports, and recommendations concerning fulfilling Respondents’ obligations under the Orders and provide copies of these documents to Commission staff upon request.
MEDTRONIC PLC 945 Order to Maintain Assets C. Respondents shall verify each compliance report in the manner set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 1746 by the Chief Executive Officer or another officer or employee specifically authorized to perform this function. Respondents shall file their compliance reports with the Secretary of the Commission at [email protected] and the Compliance Division at [email protected], as required by Commission Rule 2.41(a), 16 C.F.R. § 2.41(a). In addition, Respondents shall provide a copy of each compliance report to the Monitor if the Commission has appointed one in this matter.
X. Change in Respondents IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall notify the Commission at least 30 days prior to:
A. The proposed dissolution of Medtronic plc or Medtronic, Inc., respectively; B. The proposed acquisition, merger, or consolidation of Medtronic plc or Medtronic, Inc.; or C. Any other change in Respondents, including assignment and the creation, sale, or dissolution of subsidiaries, if such changes may affect compliance obligations arising out of the Orders.
XI. Access IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for purposes of determining or securing compliance with the Orders, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, upon written request and 5 days’ notice to the relevant Respondent, made to its principal place of business as identified in the Orders, registered office of its United States subsidiary, or its headquarters office, the notified Respondent shall, without restraint or interference, permit any duly authorized representative of the Commission:
A. Access, during business office hours of the Respondent and in the presence of counsel, to all facilities and access to inspect and copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda, and all other records and documents in the possession, or under the control, of the Respondent related to compliance with the Orders, which copying services shall be provided by the Respondent at its expense; and B. To interview officers, directors, or employees of the Respondent, who may have counsel present, regarding such matters.
XII. Purpose IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the purpose of this Order to Maintain Assets is to maintain the full economic viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon Business VOLUME 173 Decision and Order through its full transfer and delivery to the Acquirer; to minimize any risk of loss of competitive potential for the Fiagon Business; and to prevent the destruction, removal, wasting, deterioration, or impairment of any of the Fiagon Assets except for ordinary wear and tear. XIII. Term IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order to Maintain Assets shall terminate the day after the Decision and Order in this matter becomes final or the Commission withdraws acceptance of the Consent Agreement pursuant to Commission Rule 2.34, 16 C.F.R. § 2.34. By the Commission.
DECISION The Federal Trade Commission initiated an investigation of the proposed acquisition by Respondent Medtronic, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Respondent Medtronic plc, of Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc. (collectively “Respondents”). The Commission’s Bureau of Competition prepared and furnished to Respondents the Draft Complaint, which it proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration. If issued by the Commission, the Draft Complaint would charge Respondents with violations of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45 (collectively “Acts”).
Respondents and the Bureau of Competition executed an Agreement Containing Consent Orders (“Consent Agreement”) containing (1) an admission by Respondents of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the Draft Complaint, (2) a statement that the signing of said Consent Agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by Respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in the Draft Complaint, or that the facts as alleged in the Draft Complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true, (3) waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission’s Rules, and (4) a proposed Decision and Order and Order to Maintain Assets.
The Commission considered the matter and determined that it had reason to believe that Respondents have violated the said Acts, and that a complaint should issue stating its charges in that respect. The Commission accepted the Consent Agreement and placed it on the public record for a period of 30 days for the receipt and consideration of public comments; at the same time, it issued and served its Complaint and Order to Maintain Assets. The Commission duly considered any comments received from interested persons pursuant to Commission Rule 2.34, 16 C.F.R. § 2.34. Now, in further conformity with the procedure described in Rule 2.34, the Commission makes the following jurisdictional findings and issues the following Decision and Order (“Order”): MEDTRONIC PLC 947 Decision and Order 1. Respondent Medtronic plc is a public limited company organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Ireland, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 20 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2, and its United States address for service of process is 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432.
2. Respondent Medtronic, Inc., is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Minnesota, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432.
3. Respondent Intersect ENT, Inc., is a corporation organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 1555 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, California 94025.
4. The Commission has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this proceeding and over the Respondents, and the proceeding is in the public interest. ORDER I. Definitions IT IS ORDERED that, as used in this Order, the following definitions shall apply: A. “Medtronic plc” means Medtronic plc, its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns; and the joint ventures, subsidiaries, including Medtronic, Inc., partnerships, divisions, groups, and affiliates controlled by Medtronic plc, and the respective directors, officers, general partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of each. B. “Medtronic” means Medtronic, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns; and the joint ventures, subsidiaries, partnerships, divisions, groups, and affiliates controlled by Medtronic, Inc., and the respective directors, officers, general partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of each.
C. “Intersect” means Intersect ENT, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns; and the joint ventures, subsidiaries, partnerships, divisions, groups, and affiliates controlled by Intersect ENT, Inc., and the respective directors, officers, general partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of each.
D. “Hemostasis” means Hemostasis, LLC, a limited liability company organized, existing, and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of VOLUME 173 Decision and Order Delaware, with its executive offices and principal place of business located at 5000 Township Parkway, St. Paul, Minnesota 55110.
E. “Commission” means the Federal Trade Commission.
F. “Acquirer” means:
1. Hemostasis; or 2. Any other Person that the Commission approves to acquire the Fiagon Assets pursuant to this Order.
G. “Acquisition” means the proposed acquisition described in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 6, 2021, by and among Medtronic, Inc., Project Kraken Merger Sub, Inc., and Intersect ENT, Inc.
H. “Acquisition Date” means the date Respondents consummate the Acquisition. I. “Business Information” means books, records, data, and information, wherever located and however stored, used in or related to the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business, including electronic medical records, documents, written information, graphic materials, and data, and data and information in electronic format. Business Information includes records and information relating to sales, marketing, advertising, personnel, accounting, business strategy, information technology systems, customers, suppliers, research and development, registrations, licenses, permits (to the extent transferable), manufacturing and operations. Business Information includes Confidential Business Information.
J. “Confidential Business Information” means all Business Information that is not in the public domain, except for any information that was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by Respondents. K. “Contract” means an agreement, mutual understanding, arrangement, license agreement, lease, consensual obligation, commitment, promise, or undertaking, whether written or oral, express or implied, or legally binding or not. L. “Direct Cost” means a cost not to exceed the actual cost of labor, materials, travel, and other expenditures. The cost of any labor included in Direct Cost shall not exceed the then-current average hourly wage rate for the employee providing such labor.
M. “Divestiture Agreement” means:
1. Sale and Purchase Agreement dated March 23/24/25, 2022, by and among Intersect ENT, Inc., and Hemostasis, LLC, and all amendments, exhibits, attachments, agreements, and schedules thereto;
MEDTRONIC PLC 949 Decision and Order 2. Transitional Services Agreement dated March 24/25, 2022, by and among Intersect ENT, Inc., Intersect ENT International Gmbh, Intersect ENT Gmbh, and Fiagon NA LLC, and all amendments, exhibits, attachments, agreements, and schedules thereto; or 3. Any agreement between a Respondent (or a Divestiture Trustee) and an Acquirer to purchase the Fiagon Assets, and all amendments, exhibits, attachments, agreements, and schedules thereto.
The Divestiture Agreements are contained in Nonpublic Appendix A. N. “Divestiture Date” means the date on which Respondents (or a Divestiture Trustee) consummate the divestiture of the Fiagon Assets as required by Section II of this Order.
O. “Divestiture Trustee” means the Person appointed by the Commission pursuant to Section IX of this Order.
P. “Employee Information” means for each Fiagon Employee, to the extent permitted by law, the following information summarizing the employment history of each employee that includes:
1. Name, job title or position, date of hire, and effective service date; 2. Specific description of the employee’s responsibilities; 3. The base salary or current wages;
4. Most recent bonus paid, aggregate annual compensation for Respondent’s last fiscal year, and current target or guaranteed bonus, if any; 5. Written performance reviews for the past three years, if any; 6. Employment status (i.e., active or on leave or disability; full-time or parttime);
7. Any other material terms and conditions of employment in regard to such employee that are not otherwise generally available to similarly situated employees; and 8. At the Acquirer’s option, copies of all employee benefit plans and summary plan descriptions (if any) applicable to the employee.
Q. “FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration. VOLUME 173 Decision and Order R. “Fiagon Assets” mean Respondents’ rights, title, and interests in and to all tangible and intangible assets, wherever located, used in or relating to each Fiagon Product and the Fiagon Business, including all:
1. Intellectual Property;
2. Real property interests, whether owned or leased, together with all easements, rights of way, buildings, improvements, Fiagon Facilities, parking lots, and appurtenances thereto;
3. Tangible personal property, including all fixtures, furnishings, machinery, equipment, computer hardware, supplies, and inventories; 4. Intangible rights and property including going concern value and goodwill; 5. Rights under any and all Contracts, at the option of the Acquirer; 6. Business Information; and 7. Governmental Permits and all pending applications or renewals thereof, including from and to the FDA.
S. “Fiagon Business” means all business conducted by Respondent Intersect prior to the Acquisition Date relating to the research, development, manufacture, marketing, sale, and distribution of Fiagon Products.
T. “Fiagon Employees” mean any and all full-time, part-time, or contract individuals employed by Respondent Intersect at any time since August 6, 2021, whose job responsibilities relate or related to any aspect of the Fiagon Business. U. “Fiagon Facilities” mean:
1. 3913 Todd Lane, Building 100, Suite 101, Austin, Texas 78744; and 2. Neuendorfstrasse 23B, 16761 Hennigsdorf, Germany. V. “Fiagon Products” mean all balloon sinus dilation products and ear, nose, and throat (“ENT”) navigation systems developed or in development, manufactured, assembled, marketed, sold, owned, or controlled by Fiagon AG Medical Technologies either before or after it was acquired by Respondent Intersect, including Venture, VirtuDrive CUBE4D, VirtuEye, and VirtuLink product lines, all products and supplies related thereto, and any pipeline products. W. “Governmental Permit” means all consents, licenses, permits, approvals, registrations, certificates, rights, or other authorizations from any governmental entity necessary to effect the complete transfer and divestiture of the Fiagon Assets MEDTRONIC PLC 951 Decision and Order to the Acquirer and for such Acquirer to operate the Fiagon Business. Governmental Permits includes all communications with the FDA. X. “Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property of any kind, including patents, patent applications, mask works, trademarks, service marks and applications, copyrights, trade dress, commercial names, trade names, inventions, discoveries, written and unwritten know-how, customer lists, trade secrets, proprietary information, internet web sites, internet domain names, social media, and all content related exclusively to the Fiagon Products and Fiagon Business that is displayed on any website.
Y. “Monitor” means any Person appointed by the Commission to serve as a monitor pursuant to the Orders.
Z. “Orders” mean this Order and the Order to Maintain Assets entered in this action. AA. “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental body, or other entity. BB. “Third Party” means any Person other than the Respondents or the Acquirer. CC. “Transition Assistance” means technical services, personnel, assistance, training, and other logistical, administrative, and transitional support as required by the Acquirer and approved by the Commission to facilitate the transfer of the Fiagon Assets to the Acquirer, including support related to audits, finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and systems, maintenance and repair of Fiagon Facilities and equipment, manufacturing, manufacturing, purchasing quality control, research and development, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, sales and marketing, customer service, supply chain management, and custom transfer logistics.
II. Divestiture IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. No later than 10 days after the Acquisition Date, Respondents shall divest the Fiagon Assets, absolutely and in good faith, as an ongoing business, to Hemostasis. B. If Respondents have divested the Fiagon Assets to Hemostasis prior to the date this Order becomes final, and if, at the time the Commission determines to make this Order final, the Commission notifies Respondents that:
1. Hemostasis is not acceptable as the acquirer of the Fiagon Assets, then Respondents shall immediately rescind the Divestiture Agreements, and shall divest the Fiagon Assets no later than 120 days from the date this Order VOLUME 173 Decision and Order is issued, absolutely and in good faith, at no minimum price, to a Person that receives the prior approval of the Commission and in a manner that receives the prior approval of the Commission; or 2. The manner in which the divestiture of the Fiagon Assets to Hemostasis was accomplished is not acceptable, the Commission may direct Respondents, or appoint a Divestiture Trustee, to effect such modifications to the manner of divestiture of the Fiagon Assets as the Commission may determine are necessary to satisfy the requirements of this Order.
C. Respondents shall assist the Acquirer to conduct a due diligence investigation of the Fiagon Assets that the Acquirer seeks to purchase, including by providing sufficient and timely access to all information customarily provided as part of a due diligence process, and affording the Acquirer and its representatives (including prospective lenders and their representatives) full and free access, during regular business hours, to the personnel, assets, Contracts, Business Information, and Fiagon Facilities, with such rights of access to be exercised in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the operations of Respondents. D. Respondents shall obtain, prior to the Divestiture Date and at their sole expense, all consents from Third Parties and all Governmental Permits that are necessary to effect the complete transfer and divestiture of the Fiagon Assets to the Acquirer and for the Acquirer to operate all aspects of the Fiagon Business; Provided, however, that:
1. Respondents may satisfy the requirement to obtain all consents from Third Parties by certifying that the Acquirer has entered into equivalent agreements or arrangements directly with the relevant third party that are acceptable to the Commission, or has otherwise obtained all necessary consents and waiver; and 2. With respect to any Governmental Permits relating to the Fiagon Assets that are not transferable or not transferred on the Divestiture Date, Respondents shall, to the extent permitted under applicable law, allow the Acquirer to operate the Fiagon Assets under Respondents’ Governmental Permits pending the Acquirer’s receipt of its own Governmental Permits, and Respondents shall provide such assistance as the Acquirer may reasonably request in connection with its efforts to obtain such Governmental Permits. E. Respondents shall not join, file, prosecute, or maintain any suit, in law or equity, against the Fiagon Products under any patent that was pending or issued on or before the Acquisition Date if such suit would limit or impair the Acquirer’s freedom to manufacture, distribute, market, sell, or offer for sale any Fiagon Products anywhere in the world, including new versions of the Fiagon Products. MEDTRONIC PLC 953 Decision and Order F. Upon written notice from an Acquirer to Respondents, Respondents shall assist, in a timely manner and at no greater than Direct Cost, the Acquirer to defend against, respond to, or otherwise participate in any litigation brought by a Third Party related to Intellectual Property related to a Fiagon Product acquired by the Acquirer pursuant to Section II.
G. For any lawsuit related to a Fiagon Product that is filed prior to the Divestiture Date, in which Respondent Intersect is alleged to have infringed the Intellectual Property of a Third Party, which Respondent Intersect has prepared or is preparing to defend against as of the Divestiture Date, Respondents shall:
1. Cooperate with the Acquirer and provide any and all necessary technical and legal assistance, documentation, and witnesses in a timely manner and at their sole expense in connection with obtaining resolution of any pending patent litigation related to that Fiagon Product;
2. Waive conflicts of interest, if any, to allow Respondents’ outside legal counsel to represent that Acquirer in any ongoing patent litigation related to that Fiagon Product; and 3. Permit the transfer to the Acquirer of all of the litigation files and any related attorney work product in the possession of Respondents’ outside counsel related to that Fiagon Product.
III. Divestiture Agreements IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. The Divestiture Agreements shall be incorporated by reference into this Order and made a part hereof, and any failure by Respondents to comply with the terms of the Divestiture Agreements shall constitute a violation of this Order; Provided, however, that the Divestiture Agreements shall not limit, or be construed to limit, the terms of this Order. To the extent any provision in the Divestiture Agreements varies from or conflicts with any provision in this Order such that Respondents cannot fully comply with both, Respondents shall comply with the Order.
B. Respondents shall not modify or amend the terms of the Divestiture Agreements after the Commission issues this Order without the prior approval of the Commission, except as otherwise provided in Commission Rule 2.41(f)(5), 16 C.F.R. § 2.41(f)(5).
VOLUME 173 Decision and Order IV. Transition Assistance IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Until Respondents have transferred all Business Information included in the Fiagon Assets, Respondents shall ensure that the Business Information is maintained and updated in the ordinary course of business and shall provide the Acquirer with access to records and information (wherever located and however stored) that Respondents have not yet transferred to the Acquirer, and to employees who possess the records and information.
B. Respondents shall provide the Acquirer with Transition Assistance sufficient to (1) efficiently transfer the Fiagon Assets to the Acquirer, and (2) assist the Acquirer in operating the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business in all material respects in the manner in which Respondent Intersect did so prior to the Acquisition. C. Respondents shall provide such Transition Assistance: 1. As set forth in the Divestiture Agreements, or as otherwise reasonably requested by the Acquirer (whether before or after the Divestiture Date); 2. At Direct Cost; and 3. For a period sufficient to meet the requirements of Section IV, which shall be, at the option of the Acquirer, for one year after the Divestiture Date; Provided, however, that within 15 days after a request by the Acquirer, Respondents shall file with the Commission a written request to extend the time period for providing Transition Assistance in order to achieve the purposes of this Order. D. Respondents shall allow the Acquirer to terminate, in whole or part, any Transition Assistance provisions of the Divestiture Agreements upon commercially reasonable notice and without cost or penalty.
E. Respondents shall not cease providing Transition Assistance due to a breach by the Acquirer of the Divestiture Agreements, and shall not limit any damages (including indirect, special, and consequential damages) that the Acquirer would be entitled to receive in the event of Respondents’ breach of the Divestiture Agreements. V. Employees IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Until 6 months after the Divestiture Date, Respondents shall cooperate with and assist the Acquirer of the Fiagon Assets to evaluate independently and offer employment to the Fiagon Employees.
MEDTRONIC PLC 955 Decision and Order B. Respondents shall:
1. No later than 10 days after a request from the Acquirer, provide to the Acquirer a list of all Fiagon Employees and provide Employee Information for each;
2. No later than 10 days after a request from the Acquirer, provide the Acquirer an opportunity to meet outside the presence or hearing of any employee or agent of Respondents with any of the Fiagon Employees, and to make offers of employment to any of the Fiagon Employees;
3. Remove any impediments within the control of Respondents that may deter Fiagon Employees from accepting employment with the Acquirer, including removal of any noncompete or confidentiality provisions of employment or other Contracts with Respondents that may affect the ability or incentive of those individuals to be employed by the Acquirer, and shall not make any counteroffer to a Fiagon Employee who receives an offer of employment from the Acquirer;
Provided, however, that nothing in this Order shall be construed to require Respondents to terminate the employment of any employee or prevent Respondents from continuing the employment of any employee; 4. Continue to provide Fiagon Employees compensation and benefits, including regularly scheduled raises and bonuses and the vesting of benefits while they are employed by Respondents; and 5. Not interfere, directly or indirectly, with the hiring or employing by the Acquirer of any Fiagon Employee, not offer any incentive to such employees to decline employment with the Acquirer, and not otherwise interfere with the recruitment of any Fiagon Employee by the Acquirer. C. Respondents shall provide financial incentives for Fiagon Employees to continue in their positions and, as may be necessary, to facilitate their employment by the Acquirer.
D. Respondents shall not, for a period of 180 days following the Divestiture Date, directly or indirectly, solicit or otherwise attempt to induce any of the Fiagon Employees who have accepted offers of employment with the Acquirer to terminate his or her employment with the Acquirer;
VOLUME 173 Decision and Order Provided, however, Respondents may:
1. Hire an employee whose employment has been terminated by the Acquirer; 2. Advertise for employees in newspapers, trade publications, or other media, or engage recruiters to conduct general employee search activities, in either case not targeted specifically at one or more Fiagon Employees; or 3. Hire an employee who has applied for employment with Respondents, as long as such application was not solicited or induced in violation of Section V.
VI. Asset Maintenance IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall, subject to their obligations under the Order to Maintain Assets, ensure that the Fiagon Assets are operated and maintained in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices until such assets are fully transferred to the Acquirer, and shall:
A. Take all actions necessary to maintain the full economic viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets, to minimize the risk of any loss of their competitive potential, to operate them in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, and to prevent their destruction, removal, wasting, deterioration, or impairment (other than as a result of ordinary wear and tear);
B. Not sell, transfer, encumber, or otherwise impair the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets (other than in the manner prescribed in the Orders), or take any action that lessens their full economic viability, marketability, or competitiveness; C. Not terminate the operations of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets, and shall conduct or cause to be conducted the operations of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with past practice (including regular repair and maintenance efforts) and as may be necessary to preserve the full economic viability, ongoing operations, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets; and D. Use best efforts to preserve the existing relationships with suppliers, customers, employees, governmental authorities, vendors, landlords, and others having business relationships with the Fiagon Business and related Fiagon Assets. Provided, however, that Respondents may take actions that the Acquirer has requested or agreed to in writing and that have been approved in advance by Commission staff, in all cases to facilitate the Acquirer’s acquisition of the Fiagon Assets and consistent with the purposes of this Order and the Order to Maintain Assets.
MEDTRONIC PLC 957 Decision and Order VII. Confidentiality IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Respondents shall not disclose (including to Respondents’ employees), and not use, for any reason or purpose, any Confidential Business Information received or maintained by Respondents;
Provided, however, that Respondents may disclose or use such Confidential Business Information in the course of:
1. Performing their obligations or as permitted under this Order, the Order to Maintain Assets, or the Divestiture Agreements; or 2. Complying with financial reporting requirements, obtaining legal advice, prosecuting or defending legal claims, investigations, or enforcing actions threatened or brought against the Fiagon Assets or Fiagon Business, or as required by law.
B. Respondents shall only disclose Confidential Business Information to an employee or any other Person if disclosure is permitted in Paragraph VII.A and the employee or other Person has signed an agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such information and not violate the disclosure requirements of this Order. C. Respondents shall enforce the terms of Section VII and take necessary actions to ensure that their employees or other Persons comply with its terms, including implementing access and data controls, training of employees, and taking other actions that Respondents would take to protect their own trade secrets and proprietary information.
VIII. Monitor IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. The Commission appoints Jeryl Hilleman as the Monitor to observe and report on Respondents’ compliance with their obligations as set forth in the Orders. B. The Respondents and the Monitor may enter into an agreement relating to the Monitor’s services. Any such agreement:
1. Shall be subject to the approval of the Commission; 2. Shall not limit, and the signatories shall not construe it to limit, the terms of Section VIII or the Section relating to the Monitor in the Order to Maintain Assets (“Monitor Sections”), and to the extent any provision in the agreement varies from or conflicts with any provision in the Monitor VOLUME 173 Decision and Order Sections, Respondents and the Monitor shall comply with the Monitor Sections; and 3. Shall include a provision stating that the agreement does not limit, and the signatories shall not construe it to limit, the terms of the Orders in this matter, and to the extent any provision in the agreement varies from or conflicts with any provision in the Orders, Respondents and the Monitor shall comply with the Orders.
C. The Monitor shall:
1. Have the authority to monitor Respondents’ compliance with the obligations set forth in the Orders;
2. Act in consultation with the Commission or its staff; 3. Serve as an independent third party and not as an employee or agent of Respondents or of the Commission;
4. Serve without bond or other security;
5. At the Monitor’s option, employ such consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants as are reasonably necessary to carry out the Monitor’s duties and responsibilities;
6. Enter into a non-disclosure or other confidentiality agreement with the Commission related to Commission materials and information received in connection with the performance of the Monitor’s duties and require that each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants shall also enter into a non-disclosure or other confidentiality agreement with the Commission;
7. Notify staff of the Commission, in writing, no later than 5 days in advance of entering into any arrangement that creates a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, including a financial, professional or personal conflict. If the Monitor becomes aware of a such a conflict only after it has arisen, the Monitor shall notify the Commission as soon as the Monitor becomes aware of the conflict;
8. Report in writing to the Commission concerning Respondents’ compliance with the Orders on a schedule set by Commission staff and at any other time requested by Commission staff; and 9. Unless the Commission or its staff determine otherwise, the Monitor shall serve until Commission staff determines that Respondents have satisfied all obligations under Sections II, IV, and VI, and files a final report. MEDTRONIC PLC 959 Decision and Order D. Respondents shall:
1. Cooperate with and assist the Monitor in performing his or her duties for the purpose of reviewing Respondents’ compliance with their obligations under the Orders, including as requested by the Monitor, (a) providing the Monitor full and complete access to personnel, information, and facilities; and (b) making such arrangements with third parties to facilitate access by the Monitor;
2. Not interfere with the ability of the Monitor to perform his or her duties pursuant to the Orders;
3. Pay the Monitor’s fees and expenses as set forth in an agreement approved by the Commission, or if such agreement has not been approved, pay the Monitor’s customary fees, as well as expenses the Monitor incurs performing his or her duties under the Orders, including expenses of any consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants that are reasonably necessary to assist the Monitor in carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities;
4. Not require the Monitor to disclose to Respondents the substance of the Monitor’s communications with the Commission or any other Person or the substance of written reports submitted to the Commission pursuant to the Orders; and 5. Indemnify and hold the Monitor harmless against any loss, claim, damage, liability, and expense (including attorneys’ fees and out of pocket costs) that arises out of, or is connected with, a claim concerning the performance of the Monitor’s duties under the Orders, unless the loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense results from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Monitor.
E. Respondents may require the Monitor and each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to enter into a customary confidentiality agreement, so long as the agreement does not restrict the Monitor’s ability to access personnel, information, and facilities or provide information to the Commission, or otherwise observe and report on the Respondents’ compliance with the Orders.
F. If the Monitor resigns or the Commission determines that the Monitor has ceased to act, has failed to act diligently, or is otherwise unable to continue serving as a Monitor due to the existence of a conflict or other reasons, the Commission may appoint a substitute Monitor. The substitute Monitor shall be afforded all rights, powers, and authorities and shall be subject to all obligations of the Monitor Sections of the Orders. The Commission shall select the substitute Monitor, subject to the consent of the Respondents.
VOLUME 173 Decision and Order Respondents:
1. Shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the appointment of the selected substitute Monitor;
2. Shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed substitute Monitor if, within 10 days of notice by staff of the Commission of the identity of the proposed substitute Monitor, Respondents have not opposed in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the selection of the proposed substitute Monitor; and 3. May enter into an agreement with the substitute Monitor relating to the substitute Monitor’s services that either (a) contains substantially the same terms as the Commission-approved agreement referenced in Paragraph VIII.B; or (b) receives Commission approval.
G. The Commission may on its own initiative or at the request of the Monitor issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to assure compliance with the requirements of the Orders.
IX. Divestiture Trustee IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. If Respondents have not fully complied with the obligations to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey the Fiagon Assets as required by this Order, the Commission may appoint a trustee (“Divestiture Trustee”) to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey these assets in a manner that satisfies the requirements of this Order.
B. In the event that the Commission or the Attorney General brings an action pursuant to § 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(l), or any other statute enforced by the Commission, Respondents shall consent to the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee in such action to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey these assets. Neither the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee nor a decision not to appoint a Divestiture Trustee under Section IX shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General from seeking civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, pursuant to § 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other statute enforced by the Commission, for any failure by the Respondents to comply with this Order.
C. The Commission shall select the Divestiture Trustee, subject to the consent of Respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Divestiture Trustee shall be a person with experience and expertise in acquisitions and divestitures. If Respondents have not opposed, in writing, including the reasons for MEDTRONIC PLC 961 Decision and Order opposing, the selection of any proposed Divestiture Trustee within 10 days after notice by the staff of the Commission to Respondents of the identity of any proposed Divestiture Trustee, Respondents shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed Divestiture Trustee.
D. Not later than 10 days after the appointment of a Divestiture Trustee, Respondents shall execute a trust agreement that, subject to the prior approval of the Commission, transfers to the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the Divestiture Trustee to effect the relevant divestiture or other action required by this Order. Any failure by Respondents to comply with a trust agreement approved by the Commission shall be a violation of this Order. E. If a Divestiture Trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant to Section IX, Respondents shall consent to the following terms and conditions regarding the Divestiture Trustee’s powers, duties, authority, and responsibilities: 1. Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the Divestiture Trustee shall have the exclusive power and authority to assign, grant, license, divest, transfer, deliver, or otherwise convey the assets that are required by this Order to be assigned, granted, licensed, divested, transferred, delivered, or otherwise conveyed;
2. The Divestiture Trustee shall have one year from the date the Commission approves the trustee trust agreement described herein to accomplish the divestitures, which shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the one year period, the Divestiture Trustee has submitted a plan of divestiture or the Commission believes that the divestitures can be achieved within a reasonable time, the divestiture period may be extended by the Commission, Provided, however, the Commission may extend the divestiture period only 2 times;
3. Subject to any demonstrated legally recognized privilege, the Divestiture Trustee shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records, and facilities related to the relevant assets that are required to be assigned, granted, licensed, divested, delivered, or otherwise conveyed by this Order and to any other relevant information, as the Divestiture Trustee may request. Respondents shall develop such financial or other information as the Divestiture Trustee may request and shall cooperate with the Divestiture Trustee. Respondents shall take no action to interfere with or impede the Divestiture Trustee’s accomplishment of the divestitures. Any delays in divestitures caused by Respondents shall extend the time for divestitures under Section IX in an amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission or, for a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, by the court; VOLUME 173 Decision and Order 4. The Divestiture Trustee shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to negotiate the most favorable price and terms available in each Contract that is submitted to the Commission, subject to Respondents’ absolute and unconditional obligation to divest expeditiously and at no minimum price. The divestitures shall be made in the manner and to Acquirers that receive the prior approval of the Commission as required by this Order, Provided, however, if the Divestiture Trustee receives bona fide offers from more than one acquiring person for a divestiture, and if the Commission determines to approve more than one such acquiring person for the divestiture, the Divestiture Trustee shall divest to the acquiring person selected by Respondents from among those approved by the Commission, Provided further, however, that Respondents shall select such person within 5 days of receiving notification of the Commission’s approval; 5. The Divestiture Trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost and expense of Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the Commission or a court may set. The Divestiture Trustee shall have the authority to employ, at the cost and expense of Respondents, such consultants, accountants, attorneys, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as are necessary to carry out the Divestiture Trustee’s duties and responsibilities. The Divestiture Trustee shall account for all monies derived from the divestiture and all expenses incurred. After approval by the Commission of the account of the Divestiture Trustee, including fees for the Divestiture Trustee’s services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of the Respondents, and the Divestiture Trustee’s power shall be terminated. The compensation of the Divestiture Trustee shall be based at least in significant part on a commission arrangement contingent on the divestiture of all of the relevant assets that are required to be divested by this Order; 6. Respondents shall indemnify the Divestiture Trustee and hold the Divestiture Trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or defense of, any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Divestiture Trustee; 7. The Divestiture Trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Fiagon Assets required to be divested by this Order; MEDTRONIC PLC 963 Decision and Order 8. The Divestiture Trustee shall report in writing to Respondents and to the Commission every 30 days concerning the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to accomplish the divestiture; and 9. Respondents may require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to sign a customary confidentiality agreement, Provided, however, that such agreement shall not restrict the Divestiture Trustee from providing any information to the Commission. F. The Commission may, among other things, require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and assistants to sign a confidentiality agreement related to Commission materials and information received in connection with the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties.
G. If the Commission determines that a Divestiture Trustee has ceased to act or failed to act diligently, the Commission may appoint a substitute Divestiture Trustee in the same manner as provided in Section IX, and who will have the same authority and responsibilities of the original Divestiture Trustee pursuant to Section IX. H. The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, the court, may on its own initiative or at the request of the Divestiture Trustee issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestitures and other obligations or action required by this Order. X. Respondents Prior Approval IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall not, without prior approval of the Commission, acquire directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, partnerships, or otherwise, any rights or interests, in whole or in part, in any balloon sinus dilation products or ENT navigation systems.
XI. Acquirer Prior Approval IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. For a period of 3 years after the Divestiture Date, neither Hemostasis nor any other Acquirer shall sell or otherwise convey to any Person, through subsidiaries or otherwise, without the prior approval of the Commission, any of the Fiagon Assets that were divested pursuant to Section II; and B. For a period of 7 years after the term of Paragraph XI.A ends, neither Hemostasis nor any other Acquirer shall sell or convey, through subsidiaries or otherwise, without the prior approval of the Commission, any of the Fiagon Assets that were VOLUME 173 Decision and Order divested pursuant to Section II, to any Person engaged in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, or sale of any balloon sinus dilation products or ENT navigation systems;
Provided, however, Hemostasis is not required to obtain prior approval of the Commission under this Section XI for a change of control, merger, reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of its business.
XII. Compliance Reports IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A. Respondents shall:
1. Notify Commission staff via email at [email protected] of the Acquisition Date and Divestiture Date no later than 5 days after the occurrence of each; and 2. Submit the complete Divestiture Agreements to the Commission at [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 30 days after the Divestiture Date.
B. Respondents shall submit verified written reports (“compliance reports”) in accordance with the following:
1. Respondents shall submit:
a. Interim compliance reports 30 days after this Order is issued and every 30 days thereafter until Respondents have fully complied with the provisions of Sections II, IV, and VI;
b. Annual compliance reports one year after the date this Order is issued, and annually for the next 9 years on the anniversary of that date; and c. Additional compliance reports as the Commission or its staff may request.
2. Each compliance report shall contain sufficient information and documentation to enable the Commission to determine independently whether Respondents are in compliance with this Order and the Order to Maintain Assets. Conclusory statements that Respondents have complied with their obligations under the Orders are insufficient. Respondents shall include in their reports, among other information or documentation that may be necessary to demonstrate compliance, a full description of the measures MEDTRONIC PLC 965 Decision and Order Respondents have implemented and plan to implement to comply with each paragraph of the Orders, including detailed descriptions related to: a. The transfer and delivery to the Acquirer of the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business;
b. Any transitional services being provided by Respondents to the Acquirer; and c. The timing for the completion of such obligations. 3. For a period of 5 years after filing a compliance report, each Respondent shall retain all material written communications with each party identified in the compliance report and all non-privileged internal memoranda, reports, and recommendations concerning fulfilling Respondents’ obligations under the Orders and provide copies of these documents to Commission staff upon request.
C. Respondents shall verify each compliance report in the manner set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 1746 by the Chief Executive Officer or another officer or employee specifically authorized to perform this function. Respondents shall file their compliance reports with the Secretary of the Commission at [email protected] and the Compliance Division at [email protected], as required by Commission Rule 2.41(a), 16 C.F.R. § 2.41(a). In addition, Respondents shall provide a copy of each compliance report to the Monitor if the Commission has appointed one in this matter.
XIII. Change in Respondents IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall notify the Commission at least 30 days prior to:
A. The proposed dissolution of Medtronic plc or Medtronic, Inc., respectively; B. The proposed acquisition, merger, or consolidation of Medtronic plc or Medtronic, Inc.; or C. Any other change in Respondents, including assignment and the creation, sale, or dissolution of subsidiaries, if such changes may affect compliance obligations arising out of this Order.
XIV. Access IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for purposes of determining or securing compliance with this Order, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, upon written request and 5 days’ notice to the relevant Respondent, made to its principal place of business as identified in this Order, VOLUME 173 Decision and Order registered office of its United States subsidiary, or its headquarters office, the notified Respondent shall, without restraint or interference, permit any duly authorized representative of the Commission:
A. Access, during business office hours of the Respondent and in the presence of counsel, to all facilities and access to inspect and copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda, and all other records and documents in the possession, or under the control, of the Respondent related to compliance with this Order, which copying services shall be provided by the Respondent at its expense; and B. To interview officers, directors, or employees of the Respondent, who may have counsel present, regarding such matters.
XV. Purpose IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the purpose of this Order is to remedy the harm to competition the Commission alleged in its Complaint, create a viable and effective competitor with the Fiagon Business that is independent of Respondents, and ensure the Acquirer can operate the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business at least equivalent in all material respects to the manner in which Respondent Intersect operated the Fiagon Assets and Fiagon Business prior to the Acquisition.
XVI. Term IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall terminate on June 27, 2032. By the Commission.
Nonpublic Appendix A Divestiture Agreements [Redacted From the Public Record Version, But Incorporated By Reference] MEDTRONIC PLC 967 Analysis to Aid Public Comment ANALYSIS OF CONSENT ORDER TO AID PUBLIC COMMENT I. Introduction The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”) has accepted for public comment, subject to final approval, an Agreement Containing Consent Orders (“Consent Agreement”) from Medtronic plc, Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”), and Intersect ENT, Inc. (“Intersect”) (together, “Respondents”). The Consent Agreement is designed to remedy the anticompetitive effects that otherwise would result from Medtronic’s acquisition of Intersect. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 6, 2021, Medtronic proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Intersect for approximately $1.1 billion (the “Acquisition”). The Commission’s Complaint alleges that the Acquisition violated Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and that the Acquisition agreement constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45, by substantially lessening competition in the U.S. markets for balloon sinus dilation products and ear, nose, and throat (“ENT”) navigation systems.
The proposed Decision and Order (“Order”) contained in the Consent Agreement requires Respondents to divest to Hemostasis, LLC (“Hemostasis”) the assets and business of Intersect’s subsidiary Fiagon AG Medical Technologies (“Fiagon”). Respondents must complete the transfer no later than 10 days after Medtronic consummates its acquisition of Intersect. The Commission has issued, and Respondents have agreed to comply with, an Order to Maintain Assets that requires Respondents to operate and maintain the divestiture assets in the normal course of business through the date the approved buyer acquires the divested assets. The Commission has placed the Consent Agreement on the public record for 30 days to solicit comments from interested persons. Comments received during this period will become part of the public record. After 30 days, the Commission will review the comments received and decide whether it should withdraw, modify, or make the proposed Order final. II. The Relevant Markets and Competitive Effects The Commission’s Complaint alleges that the relevant product markets in which to analyze the Acquisition are the research, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and sale of (a) balloon sinus dilation products and (b) ENT navigation systems. Balloon sinus dilation products are catheter devices used to clear blocked sinuses in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. ENT navigation systems allow physicians to view and track the location of operating instruments such as balloon sinus dilation products during sinus surgery. The relevant geographic market in which to analyze the competitive effects of the Acquisition is the United States. Balloon sinus dilation products and ENT navigation systems are medical devices subject to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before sale in the United States. As such, medical devices not approved for sale in the Untied States do not provide competitive alternatives for U.S. consumers.
VOLUME 173 Analysis to Aid Public Comment The Acquisition would likely substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets. The U.S. markets for balloon sinus dilation products and ENT navigation systems are both highly concentrated. The Acquisition, if consummated, would reduce the number of independent manufacturers of balloon sinus dilation products from four to three. Fiagon, having just entered the U.S. market in 2021 after securing regulatory approvals for its balloon sinus dilation products, is poised to become an important competitive constraint on the established ENT market leaders, including Medtronic. In ENT navigation systems, Medtronic currently holds a dominant position, and the Acquisition would eliminate a nascent competitive threat in Fiagon. III. The Proposed Order and the Order to Maintain Assets The proposed Order and the Order to Maintain Assets would remedy the Acquisition’s likely anticompetitive effects by requiring Respondents to divest the entirety of the Fiagon business and assets to Hemostasis. Hemostasis is an established participant in the ENT medical device segment and has the expertise, sales infrastructure, and resources to restore the competition that otherwise would have been lost pursuant to the Acquisition. The parties must divest all facilities and equipment, intellectual property, business information, and other assets used with and related to the Fiagon business. Hemostasis also intends to retain Fiagon employees. Because Hemostasis will acquire all assets related to the Fiagon business, and the parties are required to obtain all third-party consents before the divestiture transaction is consummated, Hemostasis will be able to begin manufacturing its own supply of ENT navigation systems and balloon sinus dilation products from day one.
The proposed Order contains additional provisions designed to ensure the effectiveness of the relief. For example, the proposed Order requires the Respondents to assist and cooperate in the defense against any intellectual property litigation related to the Fiagon assets. Respondents are required to provide Hemostasis with transition assistance for up to one year following the divestiture of the assets and must cooperate with and assist Hemostasis to evaluate and offer employment to employees involved in the business and assets subject to divestiture. Respondents have also agreed not to enforce any employee noncompete or confidentiality agreements against Hemostasis relating to employees that interview or accept employment with Hemostasis. The proposed Order and the Order to Maintain Assets further require Medtronic to operate and maintain the divestiture assets in the ordinary course of business, including maintaining the economic viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Fiagon business until the divestiture transaction takes place.
The Commission will appoint Jeryl Hilleman to act as an independent Monitor to oversee the Respondents’ compliance with the requirements of the Order, and to keep the Commission informed about the status of the transfer of the Fiagon business to Hemostasis. The proposed Order requires that the divestiture to Hemostasis be completed no later than 10 days after Medtronic consummates the Acquisition.
In addition to requiring the divestiture of the Fiagon assets and business, the proposed Order requires Respondents to obtain prior approval from the Commission before making certain future acquisitions in the relevant markets for a period of ten years from the date the Order is issued.
MEDTRONIC PLC 969 Analysis to Aid Public Comment The proposed Order also requires Hemostasis to obtain prior approval from the Commission before transferring any of the divested assets to any buyer for the first three years after Hemostasis acquires the divestiture assets. For the seven years following the initial threeyear period, the proposed Order requires Hemostasis to obtain prior approval from the Commission before transferring any of the divested assets to any buyer engaged in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, or sale of any balloon sinus dilation products or ENT navigation systems. The purpose of this analysis is to facilitate public comment on the Consent Agreement, and the Commission does not intend this analysis to constitute an official interpretation of the proposed Order or to modify its terms in any way.
VOLUME 173 Complaint