Reply 113484 HC77 - I could speculate that MDT CEO would rather wrap up this opportunity, and also address any issues about HUGO, and create barriers to entry with IP from TMDI and address Single Port all in 1 deal. All of these elements fit, make sense and most importantly ARE doable. This is a unique opportunity that is available to protect future revenue and profit. Makes him look credible with the newly stated business model of acquisitions, and grow the acquisition. He has to look strategic, and this would do both in the first year of his promotion. Further, the TMDI opportunity addresses the "what the hell are we going to do against ISRG?" question for the next 10 - 20 years. MDT has a competitive business plan model for each of it's divisions. ISRG IS the 800 lb. gorilla that must be addressed for strategic planning through the next 10 - 20 years. Or.. create a new market segment with no foreseeable competition? (Hmm.) My only hope is that other Med Device manufacturers get in the mix of trying to get a piece of TMDI, somehow. I'm still not convinced of the possibility of licensing IP to other mfr's speculation. Barriers to Entry are the crown jewels of business. IP, and the cost to get in the game being two of them. The amount of time it takes to go from A-Z (design, development, test, proof of concept, build, and sell) is enormous. The cost of time is the 2nd most expensive barrier. There's also risk (3rd expensive barrier) based on the amount time it may take to go from A-Z. The length of time from development to sales revenue, the market may have moved, or leaped beyond the design. I don't see MDT "allowing" any competitor to get in this game, and permit a situation where they could control their destiny by buying TMDI. Buying the IP is the cheapest way to compete. I would think this is the end of this game (someday), IMO.
