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St. Jude Buys Japanese Distributor Getz Brothers

It's not unusual for medical device firms to buy overseas distributors who have been successful in selling their products. But in the case of St. Jude and Getz Brothers, the deal raises questions about both companies' future relationships with past partners.

It's not unusual for device companies to acquire their overseas distributors, particularly midway in their evolution to maturity and market leadership as they transform a distribution relationship into a direct selling effort. But for mature, well-established companies, with diverse product lines, such a strategy can sometimes be less than straightforward.

On its face, St. Jude Medical Inc. 's announced acquisition of its leading Japanese distributor, Getz Bros. & Co....

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