3M buying Eden Prairie medical products firm for $810M

Maplewood-based 3M today struck its third major deal within the past two weeks.

3M says it will buy Arizant, an Eden Prairie firm that makes blankets, gowns and other products to keep surgical patients warm, for $810 million.

Troy Bergstrom, Arizant's marketing communications manager, said the company fits well with 3M's infection protection division.

"One of the primary benefits of maintaining patient normothermia is its effect in reducing surgical-site infections," Bergstrom said. "So, the fact we can pair up with a division within 3M that has a similar goal in mind makes it a great fit for us."

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Normothermia is the condition of normal body temperature.

Health care products and services account for about one-fifth of 3M's sales. Arizant expects 3M's marketing power will boost Arizant's sales.

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau says Arizant is good acquisition for 3M.

"It's really complementary, not only with the technology that they provide but also in their geographical presence," he said. "So, it fits really nicely with 3M's health care business and with all the work they're trying to do on infection prevention."

Arizant employs about 200 people locally and about 375 worldwide. The company says it's unclear what impact the deal will have on jobs.

Arizant has about $200 million in annual sales. And the company says sales have been growing at a double-digit rate for several years.

Last month, 3M said it would pay $230 million for Israel's Attenti Holdings. It makes devices that track the location of criminals on probation, elder care patients and other folks who warrant monitoring.

3M also plans to buy California-based Cogent for $943 million. The company makes fingerprint and palm print identification systems.