Intuitive buys European surgical robot distributors
The da Vinci 5 system. | Credit: Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive announced today that it completed its acquisition of the da Vinci and Ion distribution business operated out of Europe.
The Sunnyvale, California-based surgical robotics leader acquired the distribution business operated by Ab Medica, Abex, Excelencia Robótica and affiliates. It marks the formal expansion of Intuitive’s direct operations in Europe.
Intuitive said the acquisition enables it to support customers in a more agile and integrated way. It brings minimally invasive care to more patients across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, San Marino and associated territories.
Following the deal, Intuitive now wholly owns the da Vinci and Ion business of Ab Medica, Abex and Excelencia Robótica. It has integrated business operations into its European commercial and marketing organization. SVP and GM Dirk Barten leads that unit.
“Today marks an important step in our commitment to expanding access to proven, safe and effective minimally invasive care to more patients across Europe,” said Intuitive CEO Dave Rosa. “Our direct presence means we are better positioned to meet the needs of our customers in these geographies as we drive forward our shared goals of improving patient outcomes, improving patient and care team experience, increasing access to minimally invasive care, and lowering the total cost of care.”
Intuitive said there is more than 470 da Vinci surgical robots installed in Italy, Spain and Portugal as of Dec. 31, 2025. da Vinci is the leader among surgical robotic platforms, and even expanded its indications in the U.S. earlier this year, expanding to cardiac procedures. Ion, meanwhile is a robotic-assisted, catheter-based platform for minimally invasive lung biopsy. Intuitive recently launched the Ion endoluminal system in Italy and Spain as well.
“Intuitive is entering a new chapter, building on more than two decades of introducing and scaling access to our technology across Southern Europe,” Barten said. “We are excited to welcome approximately 250 employees to the Intuitive team as we commence our direct operations, and together continue driving innovation in service of patients, care teams, and healthcare professionals.”
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