The global dental implant market is becoming "increasingly top-heavy" as a result of recent acquisitions, according to a new analysis by Decision Resources Group.
Dentsply International started this trend with the acquisition of Astra Tech, which was rebranded as Dentsply Implants. The analysis further notes that Zimmer has announced its intention to acquire Biomet, which will result in a competitive landscape defined by four very large competitors (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Dentsply Implants, and Zimmer/Biomet), and a large number of much smaller players.
According to Decision Resources' principal analyst Karen Gierszewski, there have been a large number of interesting deals in the dental implant space.
She includes the acquisition of Biomet by Zimmer, Henry Schein's recent investment in BioHorizons, and Danaher's announcement that it will publish a tender offer for all of Nobel Biocare's shares.
"In response to pressure from low-cost manufacturers, some premium manufacturers have been reevaluating their strategies," Gierszewski said in a press release. "For example, Straumann has begun actively investing in value brands, including Neodent, Medentika, Biodenta, and Mega'Gen."
