Acquisition Expands 3M’s Orthodontic Products Offering in Brazil
3M announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abzil Industria e Comercio Ltda., a manufacturer of orthodontic products based in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Abzil is a successful player in the fast-growing Brazilian orthodontic market. The company’s brackets, bands, tubes and wires are widely recognized as some of the highest quality orthodontic products available in the country. “Abzil’s strong brand and product portfolio complement our full line of orthodontic solutions and will allow us to better serve customers in Brazil and beyond,” said Paul Keel, president, 3M Unitek. “We see strong technical and sales synergies as well as manufacturing opportunities with Abzil,” added Luigi Faltoni, managing director, 3M Brazil.
“Abzil and 3M together are a natural fit,” said Tufy Lemos Filho, owner and president, Abzil. “We will draw on the strength of 3M’s global resources and expertise to provide a broader product offering for orthodontic professionals.”
For nearly 60 years, Unitek has been a global leader providing the orthodontic profession with novel innovations such as Clarity Ceramic Braces, APC Adhesive Pre-Coated Brackets, and most recently, SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces, and Clarity SL Ceramic Self-Ligating Braces. Today, 3M Unitek delivers more than 14,000 orthodontic products and solutions worldwide. Complementary acquisitions such as this support 3M’s core business and strategy to expand into fast-growing product and geographic markets.
Abzil employs approximately 300 people at its operations in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.
About Abzil Industria e Comercio Ltda.
Abzil Industria e Comercio Ltda. was founded in 1992 by Mr. Tufy Lemos Filho. Owned by Mr. Tufy Lemos Filho and his wife, the company is headquartered in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo with approximately 300 employees. Abzil manufactures brackets, tubes, bands, wires and accessories locally. Today, the company is the second largest manufacturer in the orthodontic market in Brazil and is recognized for the quality of its products and market approach.
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3MMedia Contacts:Donna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646or3M BrazilLucia Ziliotti, 55 19 3838 7789orInvestor Contacts:3MMatt Ginter, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807
