In 2005, Hospira and ICU Medical entered into a strategic
manufacturing, commercialization and development agreement for the
product line. As part of this previous agreement, ICU Medical also
purchased Hospira's Salt Lake City facility where the majority of its
critical care products are produced. Upon completion of the
acquisition, ICU Medical will gain complete control of the product
line, including commercial rights.
"This agreement advances
Hospira's Project Fuel optimization efforts to simplify our product
line," says Christopher B. Begley, chairman and CEO, Hospira. "It will
enable an even greater focus on Hospira's core strategic areas of
specialty injectable pharmaceuticals and medication management systems,
driving innovation and growth in these key businesses.
“The
strong partnership between Hospira and ICU Medical, combined with ICU
Medical's strength in the critical care market, will also make this
transition a smooth one for customers, and will facilitate continued
availability and future investment in these important critical care
products," continues Begley.