3-D printing solutions company Materialise recently announced a strategic investment in Engimplan, a Brazil-based manufacturer of orthopaedic and cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) implants and instruments.

Materialise (www.materialise.com) says the combination of its expertise in 3-D printed medical solutions with Engimplan’s product portfolio will “help to accelerate the introduction of 3-D printed personalised implants and instruments in the Brazilian market.”

Materialise has signed an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Engimplan through a combined acquisition of existing and new shares via its Brazilian subsidiary Engimplan Holding Ltd.

As part of the transaction, Materialise will gain access to Engimplan’s local production facility, expand Engimplan’s portfolio with its 3-D printed implants and expertise, and enter the company’s existing partner and distribution network in Brazil.

Brigitte de Vet, general manager of Materialise Medica, said: “Surgical planning and 3-D printing are increasingly adopted by orthopaedic and CMF surgeons, as they understand the positive impact of personalised implants and patient-specific solutions on surgical outcome.

"With this investment, we will expand our medical product and service portfolio, confirming our commitment to strengthening our position and growing our global presence in the medical industry.”

José Tadeu Leme, CEO of Engimplan, said: “This investment by Materialise sends a strong signal to our customers and the industry that we remain committed to developing our innovative solutions that improve the lives of many people, and that we have the confidence and support of a pioneer and global leader in 3-D printing.

"Together, we can introduce new levels of innovation in the development of personalised implants in Brazil.”