Stryker will make a preferred equity investment of about $400 million (£300 million) in CMR Surgical, the Cambridge, England maker of the Versius surgical robot, and gains an exclusive option to buy the rest of the company later, the two companies announced on October 12, 2026. Stryker becomes the exclusive US sales agent for the Versius portfolio; CMR keeps development and commercialisation everywhere else.

Why it matters: it is the second large surgical-robot deal in six weeks structured as a stake plus commercial rights rather than an outright purchase, after Medtronic’s investment in Cornerstone Robotics in September.

Key Facts

  • Announced October 12, 2026: preferred equity investment of about $400M (£300M); option to acquire 100% of CMR later
  • Stryker is exclusive US sales agent for Versius; CMR leads development and sales outside the US
  • Target customers named: hospitals and ambulatory surgery centres
  • Conditions: investment subject to customary closing conditions; the option deal also needs regulatory approval; Stryker’s Andy Pierce joins CMR’s board

What does Stryker get?

A soft-tissue robot to sell in the US, and the right to own it. CMR, founded in 2014 and privately held, makes Versius, which it describes as a modular second-generation system in established clinical use, and is developing a next-generation version, Versius Plus. Stryker will sell the portfolio in the US to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centres. The investment funds future innovation and global commercialisation, the companies said. The price of the purchase option was not disclosed.

Andy Pierce, Stryker’s group president for Medsurg and Neurotechnology, called it “a thoughtful and disciplined entry that combines the complementary strengths of both companies.” CMR chief executive Massimiliano Colella called it “a significant milestone for CMR and a strong endorsement of the technology,” and told BioXconomy that the alliance “provides additional financial strength and commercial reach.”

Why structure it as an option?

Because it prices the execution risk. Stryker’s existing robot, Mako, is used in orthopaedic joint replacement. Soft-tissue surgery, where Versius competes, is a different category with a different installed base and different surgeons. A minority stake with exclusive US sales rights lets Stryker learn the market before deciding on the full purchase, while CMR gets capital and a US sales force it did not have.

Medtronic used a similar shape in September, when it invested roughly $700 million in Hong Kong’s Cornerstone Robotics and took distribution rights to its Sentire system outside the US; see our report on two surgical robotics deals on one day. In both cases the large device company buys access first and ownership later.

What still has to happen?

The equity investment is subject to customary closing conditions. Exercising the acquisition option would require regulatory approvals. Neither company gave a timetable for either step.

Frequently Asked

How much is Stryker investing in CMR Surgical?

About $400 million (£300 million) as a preferred equity investment, announced on October 12, 2026. Stryker also received an exclusive option to acquire the remaining equity of CMR later.

Who will sell the Versius robot in the US?

Stryker, as the exclusive US sales agent for the Versius portfolio. CMR Surgical continues to lead development and commercialisation outside the United States.

Has Stryker bought CMR Surgical?

Not yet. Stryker holds an option to buy all of CMR at a later date, which would require regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Sources & Further Reading