Intuitive Surgical has announced the completion of its acquisition of the da Vinci and Ion distribution business in Europe, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its direct commercial and operational presence across the region.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Intuitive confirmed that it has acquired the distribution operations previously run by Ab Medica, Abex and Excelencia Robótica, together with their affiliated entities. The transaction formally brings the da Vinci and Ion distribution businesses under Intuitive’s ownership and integrates them into its European commercial and marketing organization.
According to Dave Rosa, Chief Executive Officer of Intuitive,
“Today marks an important step in our commitment to expanding access to proven, safe and effective minimally invasive care to more patients across Europe. 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 stated that the acquisition enables the company to support healthcare providers in a more agile and integrated way, while expanding access to minimally invasive robotic care across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, San Marino and associated territories.
Following completion of the transaction, Intuitive now wholly owns the da Vinci and Ion distribution businesses previously operated by Ab Medica, Abex and Excelencia Robótica. The newly integrated operations are being managed as part of Intuitive’s European organization under the leadership of Senior Vice President and General Manager Dirk Barten.
Intuitive reported that more than 470 da Vinci surgical robotic systems were installed across Italy, Spain and Portugal as of December 31, 2025. The da Vinci platform remains the market leader among surgical robotic systems and recently expanded its clinical indications in the United States to include cardiac procedures.
In parallel, Intuitive has also expanded access to its Ion platform, a robotic-assisted, catheter-based system designed for minimally invasive lung biopsy. The company recently launched the Ion endoluminal system in both Italy and Spain, strengthening its diagnostic robotics portfolio across Southern Europe.
Barten said the acquisition represents the beginning of a new phase for the company’s regional operations.
“Intuitive is entering a new chapter, building on more than two decades of introducing and scaling access to our technology across Southern Europe. 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.”
Through this expansion of direct operations, Intuitive aims to deepen customer engagement, strengthen service and training capabilities, and accelerate the adoption of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive care throughout Europe.
