Club holding J ohnson & Johnson (JNJ) buys Abiomed (ABMD), premier heart pumping company, in a deal valued at $16.6 billion. J & J is paying a hefty premium: $380-per-share upfront, plus extra $35-per-share if certain milestones are met. J & J juiced growth ahead of its separation into two companies: one, pharma and the other, consumer brands. This will raise the growth rate of the MedTech portion of new J & J company. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) very good: $516 million versus $470 million expected.

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