OREANDA-NEWS. Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, today announces the acquisition of EuroCiencia Colombia ('ECC'). ECC has been Smith & Nephew's sole distributor for orthopaedic reconstruction, trauma and sports medicine products in Colombia since 2006. 

Olivier Bohuon, Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Nephew, commented:

"ECC provides us with an established, successful platform to accelerate growth in Colombia, one of the largest economies in Latin America. With increased resources and direct relationships with customers we are better able to fulfil their needs, through our pioneering technologies and enhanced service. We welcome our new employees to Smith & Nephew and look forward to working together to support healthcare professionals in improving the quality of life for their patients."

The acquisition of ECC is in-line with Smith & Nephew's strategic priority to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions and follows similar transactions in Brazil, Turkey and India. Smith & Nephew has built a dynamic and sustainable emerging markets business which delivered 17% revenue growth in 2014. It accounts for 15% of Group revenue, up from 8% in 2010.

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. ECC, which has a workforce of approximately 150 people, was acquired from Miami-based GrupoCiencia, a distributor of Smith & Nephew products in Latin America since 1947.