Medtronic is opportunistically buying companies

Weak economy aids Medtronic’s acquisition strategy (MedCityNews)
Medtronic is using its considerable cash hoard to buy nine companies since 2009, including ATS Medical Inc. and CoreValv Inc. Medtronic also holds minority stakes in 60 companies — a total investment of $320 million.
Feeding Medtronic’s appetite is a weak economy that has depressed company valuations and laid waste to demand for initial public offerings. As a result, Medtronic is winning some attractive deals from investors looking hard to find exits.
“It’s a time for Medtronic to be opportunistic,” Chad Cornell, vice president ...