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Los Angeles Times

Medical giant Medtronic to buy rival Covidien for $42.9 billion

Because both companies already are giants in the medical-devices market, the merger should allow for more robust research and development and more comprehensive health-monitoring capabilities, said Harry Wang, a health industry analyst at product research firm Parks Associates.

The medical devices industry has been plagued by slow innovation, but the merger should advance the market, Wang said.

“By buying up this company and consolidating R&D spending, they have a better chance of getting their products to market,” he said. “Over the long term, if R&D is spent wisely and effectively, you will see more cost-effective products for consumers.”

From the article, "Medical giant Medtronic to buy rival Covidien for $42.9 billion" by Javier Panzar.

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