Surgical Specialties, a leading provider of branded, private label and OEM medical devices for advanced surgery, wound closure, ophthalmology and radiology acquired all shares of FSSB Chirurgische Nadein GMBH and affiliated entities.

The company financed the transaction through a new $147 million commercial banking facility. Bank of America served as administrative agent, swingline lender and L/C issuer. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Citizens Bank and Capital One served as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners. Santander and TD Bank were documentation agents. Also participating in the facility were First Niagara Bank and Webster Bank.

Jestetten, Germany-based FSSB provides a broad range of needles for use in surgery including micro, ophthalmic and standard surgical needles. FSSB also works with partners to attach the needles to sutures used in ophthalmic, cardiovascular and sternotomy procedures. FSSB has developed highly automated and proprietary manufacturing technology that produces very high quality needles and is very scalable.

Braintree, MA-based Surgical Specialties has developed and manufactured branded, private label and OEM surgical instruments for over 40 years. Surgical Specialties Corporation offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of blades and sutures available.

“The combination of FSSB and Surgical Specialties immediately creates one of the largest, if not the largest manufacturer of surgical needles globally,” commented Victor Diaz, president and CEO of Surgical Specialties. “The combined companies will offer a broader range of products and services both in terms of bulk needles and needles sold with attached sutures to our OEM, branded and private label customers.”