International law firm Simmons & Simmons is advising London based Union MedTech Plc, the ISDX Growth Market company focused on medical technology, on the acquisition of Rex Bionics Limited (“RBL”).

Union MedTech has been pursuing an acquisition strategy in the global medical technology arena, seeking to acquire companies with  high calibre technologies that are in- or near- market, and then to support their further development through regulatory approval to international commercialisation.

UMT intends to apply for its shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and, following the acquisition, plans to fund the launch and accelerated international commercialisation of new and existing robotic exoskeleton.

RBL, based in Auckland, New Zeeland, is a privately-owned technology leader in the design and development of robotic exoskeletons for people with major mobility impairment.

The Simmons & Simmons team is led by London corporate partner Charles Mayo, supported by corporate associate Matthew Rogers, IP partner Michael Gavey and IP associate David Swain.

Commenting on the transaction, Charles Mayo, said: ‘‘This is a key first stage in a transaction that  combines our life sciences M&A and IPO expertise and which hopefully will enable this medical technology to benefit wheel chair users’’.

UMT is also advised by Keith Robinson and Andrew Cooke of Sherrards and Mike Sage and Matt Smith of NZ law firm, Simpson Grierson. RBL is advised by David Flacks of NZ law firm, Bell Gully.