Zimmer Biomet Holdings

Corporate brand

Zimmer Biomet is a global medical-device company specializing in orthopedic implants, surgical technologies, robotics, dental products, and related musculoskeletal-care solutions.

Last updated October 14, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., generally marketed as Zimmer Biomet, is an American medical-device company headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, a city widely associated with the orthopedic-device industry. The company develops, manufactures, and markets products used in joint reconstruction, trauma care, sports medicine, spine surgery, extremity procedures, dental reconstruction, and surgical planning and guidance. The business traces its origins to 1927, when Justin O. Zimmer established a company in Warsaw to produce aluminum splints. Its early orthopedic focus developed into a broad portfolio of implants and surgical instruments. Zimmer later became part of Bristol Myers Squibb before being separated as an independent public company in 2001. The spin-off began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on August 7, 2001, under the ticker ZMH. A major strategic turning point came with Zimmer's agreement to acquire Biomet in 2014. The transaction brought together two established orthopedic businesses and created the Zimmer Biomet Holdings structure. Competition authorities examined the deal because of possible effects in orthopedic-product markets. After remedies and regulatory review, the transaction was completed in June 2015. The company changed its NYSE ticker from ZMH to ZBH on June 29, 2015, reflecting the combined Zimmer Biomet identity. Zimmer Biomet's principal product areas include artificial knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, feet and ankles; trauma and fixation devices; spine products; sports-medicine systems; dental prostheses; and surgical technologies. The company has also expanded beyond traditional implants through acquisitions and internal development in robotics, navigation, diagnostics, biomarker testing, patient-specific planning, and artificial-intelligence-enabled surgical guidance. Its ROSA Robotics platform includes applications for knee and hip replacement and, from 2024, shoulder replacement. The company operates in more than 40 countries and sells products in more than 100 countries. Its customer base includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, surgeons, dentists, distributors, and healthcare systems. Zimmer Biomet's competitive positioning combines a large orthopedic implant franchise with procedural technologies intended to support planning, intraoperative decision-making, implant placement, and postoperative outcomes. The company has grown through acquisitions including ExtraOrtho, Synvasive Technology, LDR Holding, Medtech, CD Diagnostics, Clinical Graphics, Embody, and other specialized businesses. Some transactions strengthened its spine, sports-medicine, diagnostics, robotics, or soft-tissue capabilities. In 2024 it announced plans to acquire OrthoGrid Systems, an artificial-intelligence surgical-guidance company focused particularly on hip procedures. Reference material also reports a 2026 acquisition of the iovera pain-therapy business from Pacira BioSciences; that event should be independently verified against a current corporate filing before being treated as settled historical data. Zimmer Biomet has faced regulatory and reputational issues. In 2017 it announced a resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission involving approximately $30.5 million in penalties. The company also attracted criticism for continuing business activity in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to a Yale-linked assessment of corporate responses. These matters sit alongside the company's ongoing public-private engagement, including corporate partnership with the Human Rights Campaign. The company remains active under President and Chief Executive Officer Ivan Tornos, who succeeded Bryan C. Hanson in August 2023. Reference material identifies approximately 18,000 employees worldwide and 2023 sales of approximately $7.4 billion; those figures require a dated company or regulatory source for formal financial use and are therefore not repeated as authoritative financial data here.

History

Zimmer Biomet originated in 1927, when Justin O. Zimmer founded a manufacturing business in Warsaw, Indiana, to produce aluminum splints. Warsaw subsequently became a major center for orthopedic-device manufacturing, and the company expanded from basic splint production into surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and reconstruction systems. Zimmer eventually became part of Bristol Myers Squibb. In 2001, it was separated from the parent company and became an independently traded public corporation. Its shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on August 7, 2001, under the symbol ZMH. Raymond Elliott led the company during its early independent period, followed by David C. Dvorak in 2007. During the 2010s, Zimmer pursued acquisitions intended to extend its orthopedic and surgical-technology portfolio. It acquired ExtraOrtho in 2011 and Synvasive Technology in 2012. In 2014, Zimmer agreed to purchase Biomet for approximately $13.4 billion. Because the companies were significant participants in orthopedic markets, European competition authorities reviewed the transaction in detail. Following regulatory conditions, the acquisition was completed in 2015, creating the Zimmer Biomet Holdings structure. The company adopted the ZBH ticker on June 29, 2015. The post-merger company continued to broaden its capabilities. It announced or completed transactions involving ETEX Holdings, Ortho Transmission, Cayenne Medical, LDR Holding, Medtech, CD Diagnostics, and Clinical Graphics. These businesses added or reinforced capabilities in bone and tissue repair, sports medicine, spine surgery, surgical robotics, diagnostics, biomarker analysis, and three-dimensional planning. LDR was integrated into Zimmer Biomet's Spine division, while Medtech brought French surgical-robotics expertise. Leadership changed again in 2017. Bryan C. Hanson became chief executive officer in December of that year after Dan Florin served as interim chief executive. In January 2017, Zimmer Biomet announced a resolution with the DOJ and SEC that involved approximately $30.5 million in penalties. The matter became one of the company's notable regulatory controversies. Zimmer Biomet has increasingly positioned itself as a technology-enabled orthopedic company rather than solely an implant manufacturer. Its ROSA Robotics portfolio supports knee and hip replacement and was expanded in 2024 with ROSA Shoulder. The company also announced an intended acquisition of OrthoGrid Systems in 2024 to strengthen artificial-intelligence-assisted surgical guidance for hip procedures. In January 2023, it announced a proposed acquisition of Embody, a company associated with soft-tissue repair technologies, for $155 million plus possible milestone payments. In August 2023, Ivan Tornos became president and chief executive officer, succeeding Hanson. Zimmer Biomet continues to sell in more than 100 countries and maintain operations in more than 40 countries. Its current identity combines a long-established orthopedic implant business with robotics, navigation, diagnostics, digital planning, and specialized procedure technologies. The company has also been subject to public criticism over its continued activity in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. A reported 2026 acquisition of Pacira BioSciences' iovera pain-therapy business is included in the supplied reference material but should be checked against contemporary filings before being regarded as verified history.

2024
ROSA Shoulder introduced
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
The company expands its robotic-surgery portfolio to shoulder replacement.
2024
OrthoGrid Systems acquisition plan
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer Biomet announces plans to acquire an artificial-intelligence surgical-guidance company focused on hip procedures.
2023
Embody acquisition announced
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer Biomet announces an agreement to acquire Embody for $155 million plus potential milestone payments.
2023
Ivan Tornos becomes chief executive
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Ivan Tornos succeeds Bryan C. Hanson as president and chief executive officer.
2017
DOJ and SEC resolution
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
The company announces a regulatory resolution involving approximately $30.5 million in penalties.
2016
Expansion into spine and surgical robotics
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer Biomet acquires or announces transactions involving LDR Holding, Medtech, CD Diagnostics, and Clinical Graphics.
2015
Zimmer Biomet is formed
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer completes the Biomet acquisition and adopts the ZBH stock symbol later that year.
2014
Agreement to acquire Biomet
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer announces the approximately $13.4 billion transaction that would combine it with Biomet.
2012
Synvasive Technology acquisition
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer acquires the Nevada-based medical-device company Synvasive Technology.
2011
ExtraOrtho acquisition
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer acquires ExtraOrtho to expand its orthopedic-device capabilities.
2001
Spin-off from Bristol Myers Squibb
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Zimmer becomes an independent publicly traded company and begins trading on the NYSE under ZMH.
1927
Zimmer is founded in Warsaw, Indiana
[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Justin O. Zimmer establishes the company to produce aluminum splints.

Products and positioning

A global orthopedic and musculoskeletal-care company combining implantable devices with robotics, navigation, digital planning, diagnostics, and procedure-specific surgical technologies.

Orthopedic implants
Knee reconstruction systems
Zimmer Biomet's knee portfolio includes implants and instruments for total and partial knee replacement. The systems are designed for reconstruction of damaged or arthritic knee joints and are supported by surgical-planning, instrumentation, and robotic-assistance technologies, including the ROSA Knee System.
Orthopedic implants
Hip reconstruction systems
The hip portfolio covers components and instruments used in total and partial hip replacement. It is paired with digital planning and robotic technologies, including the ROSA Hip System, intended to assist surgeons with procedure planning and intraoperative execution.
Surgical robotics
ROSA Robotics
ROSA Robotics is Zimmer Biomet's family of robotic and computer-assisted surgical technologies. The portfolio includes applications for knee and hip replacement and was expanded with ROSA Shoulder for shoulder-replacement procedures. The systems are intended to support planning, positioning, and execution rather than replace clinical judgment.
Extremity reconstruction
Shoulder, elbow, foot, and ankle implants
Zimmer Biomet markets reconstruction products for upper- and lower-extremity joints, including shoulder, elbow, foot, and ankle procedures. These products address joint replacement, revision, fixation, and related orthopedic needs across hospital and specialist surgical settings.
Spinal devices
Spine products
The company's spine division supplies devices and instruments used in spinal fusion and other spinal procedures. Its capabilities were strengthened through the integration of LDR Holding, adding technologies for cervical, lumbar, and other spinal applications.
Sports medicine
Sports medicine and soft-tissue repair
Zimmer Biomet's sports-medicine activities include products for ligament, tendon, cartilage, and other soft-tissue procedures. Acquisitions such as Cayenne Medical and Embody-related technologies broadened the company's presence in sports medicine and biologically oriented repair solutions.
Dental devices
Dental prostheses
The company develops and markets dental reconstruction products, including prosthetic solutions used in restorative and implant-related care. These products complement its broader focus on reconstructive healthcare and musculoskeletal procedures.

Controversies

2022
Criticism over continued Russian business
A Yale-linked assessment of corporate responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine classified Zimmer Biomet as continuing business as usual in Russia, prompting criticism of its market position and lack of withdrawal.
Source
2017
DOJ and SEC regulatory resolution
Zimmer Biomet announced a resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission involving approximately $30.5 million in penalties.
Source

ROSA Robotics clinical-technology program
United States · International markets
Zimmer Biomet has promoted the ROSA platform as a connected family of robotic and computer-assisted technologies for orthopedic surgery, extending from knee and hip replacement to shoulder replacement.
Outcome. The platform expanded to a fourth reported application with the introduction of ROSA Shoulder in 2024.
Source
Human Rights Campaign corporate partnership
United States
Zimmer Biomet is identified as a corporate partner of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy organization.
Outcome. The partnership forms part of the company's stated public-private engagement and workplace-inclusion activity.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Launch of ROSA ShoulderProduct launch
Background
Zimmer Biomet sought to extend its robotic-surgery platform into additional orthopedic procedures.
Action taken
The company introduced ROSA Shoulder for shoulder-replacement surgery.
Aftermath
The launch expanded the reported ROSA Robotics portfolio to four procedure applications.
Source
2024
Planned acquisition of OrthoGrid SystemsM&A
Background
The company identified artificial-intelligence-assisted surgical guidance as a way to strengthen its hip-replacement technology offering.
Action taken
Zimmer Biomet announced plans to acquire OrthoGrid Systems.
Aftermath
The intended transaction was expected to broaden Zimmer Biomet's digital and AI-enabled surgical guidance capabilities.
Source
2015
Adoption of the Zimmer Biomet identity and ZBH tickerStrategy
Background
The completed Biomet combination required a unified corporate and market identity.
Action taken
The company operated under the Zimmer Biomet Holdings name and changed its NYSE ticker from ZMH to ZBH.
Aftermath
The combined company became one of the largest global orthopedic-device businesses.
Source
2014
Proposed acquisition of BiometM&A
Background
Zimmer sought to combine with another major orthopedic-device company in order to expand scale and product breadth.
Action taken
The company agreed to purchase Biomet in a transaction valued at approximately $13.4 billion.
Aftermath
European competition authorities conducted an extensive review before the transaction was conditionally cleared and completed in 2015.
Announced transaction value. $13.4 billion (2014 announcement)
Source

Recent events

2024
Zimmer Biomet introduces ROSA Shoulder[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
The company introduced the ROSA Shoulder robotic-surgery application for shoulder replacement, extending the ROSA platform beyond knee and hip procedures.
2024
Zimmer Biomet announces OrthoGrid Systems acquisition plan[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Product launch
Zimmer Biomet announced plans to acquire OrthoGrid Systems, whose technology uses artificial intelligence for surgical guidance, particularly in hip replacement procedures.
2024
Zimmer Biomet expands ROSA robotics portfolio with shoulder application[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
The company introduced ROSA Shoulder, described in the reference material as the fourth application in the ROSA robotics portfolio after knee and hip systems.
2024
Zimmer Biomet announces planned acquisition of OrthoGrid Systems[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Product launch
Zimmer Biomet announced plans to acquire OrthoGrid Systems to expand artificial-intelligence-enabled surgical guidance and its hip-replacement offering.
2015
Zimmer Biomet completes Biomet acquisition and changes ticker[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Leadership change
The company completed the Biomet acquisition and later changed its New York Stock Exchange ticker from ZMH to ZBH.
2015
Zimmer completes Biomet acquisition and adopts ZBH ticker[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Other
Zimmer completed the acquisition of Biomet and changed its New York Stock Exchange ticker from ZMH to ZBH.
2014
Zimmer agrees to acquire Biomet[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Zimmer announced an agreement to acquire Biomet in a transaction valued at approximately $13.4 billion.
2014
European regulators investigate Zimmer's Biomet transaction[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Regulation
European Union antitrust authorities opened an investigation into whether the proposed combination could reduce competition in certain orthopedic markets.
2014
European regulators investigate Zimmer’s Biomet transaction[1]Zimmer Biometen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Regulation
European Union antitrust authorities opened an extensive review because of concerns that the combination could reduce competition in certain orthopedic markets.

Sources11 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/zimmer-biomet-holdings · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled