Johnson & Johnson to buy heart pump maker Abiomed for $17bn

Abiomed makes Imeplla heart pumps — small devices that are threaded through arteries into the heart to help it move blood through the body

J&J is planning to spin off its consumer unit next year and is looking to focus on higher returns from its pharmaceutical and medical technology divisions. 

Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s biggest makers of medical devices, said it will purchase Abiomed for over $17bn (€17.2bn), building on its portfolio of technology to assist heart function.

J&J is planning to spin off its consumer unit next year and is looking to focus on higher returns from its pharmaceutical and medical technology divisions.