Our History
Our history
To find out more about our history you can watch our video celebrating our journey so far of over four decades of innovation and making a difference to patients, caregivers and their families.
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Our story begins in the laboratory of a brilliant scientist, Dr. James Chen of E.R. Squibb & Sons in the 1960s. His years of research exploring hundreds of formulations led to the invention of the first hydrocolloid medical adhesive for use in dental surgery, which was granted a patent in 1967.
This technology informed our first product, the Stomahesive® skin barrier, launched after Convatec was founded in 1978 (as a division of E.R. Squibb & Sons, Inc, later part of Bristol Myers Squibb). Stomahesive® revolutionised ostomy care and established our reputation as an innovator of skin adhesives. Following that, our product portfolio grew to include a complete ostomy care line and advanced wound care line, including the AQUACEL® and Hydrofiber® Technology.
In 2008 – by this time under private ownership – Convatec merged with Denmark-based Unomedical, to create 4 franchises, including Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence & Critical Care, and Infusion Devices. We were subsequently listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250) in 2016, valued at £4.4bn in the largest initial public offering of the year.
In 2012, we acquired 180 Medical, through which we distribute disposable, intermittent (single-use) urological catheters directly to patients in the United States. 180 Medical is part of our Home Services Group, which also includes Amcare (providing stoma care medical supplies through home delivery and day-to-day customer support). In 2021, Patient Care Medical (a US-based distributor of catheters, with a purely digital customer interface) also joined HSG, strengthening our digital outreach and capabilities.
In March 2022 we acquired Triad Life Sciences, entering the attractive wound biologics segment* and rebranded it as Advanced Tissue Technologies business in AWC.
In May 2022, we announced our withdrawal from the hospital care (Critical Care) segment** to help us focus on serving and supporting patients, care givers and healthcare providers across our four core categories: Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care and Infusion Care.
In September 2022 we were admitted to the FTSE 100.
In April 2023, Convatec acquired the anti-infective nitric oxide technology platform of 30 Technology Limited, including new product assets and research and development.
Convatec today
We have evolved into one of the world’s leading medical products and technology companies. Our products provide a range of clinical and economic benefits including infection prevention, protection of at-risk skin, improved patient outcomes and reduced total cost of care.
We develop and produce innovative medical solutions that give people living with chronic conditions confidence, freedom and mobility. We offer a range of services to support these people and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We market and sell our solutions and services in four categories: Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care and Infusion Care. We have around 10,000 colleagues, selling products and services in almost 100 countries, with an extensive network of wholesalers and distributors.
Driven by our forever caring promise, we are determined to help address the growing ‘care gap’ between the support patients want and what healthcare professionals can provide. This gap is one that we can help bridge by providing layers of care to help patients live fulfilling lives. Above all else, forever caring builds on our heritage as a business supporting those with deeply personal and challenging medical conditions.
*Wound biologics segment as defined by SmartTRAK. Includes skin substitutes, active collagen dressings and topical drug delivery
**We retained our Flexi-Seal® Fecal Management System (FMS) portfolio of products, which is separate to hospital care category.