Surmodics jumps 12% amid pre-trial hearing in FTC's suit to block GTCR sale

Surmodics shares rose 12% amid a pre-trial hearing in the Federal Trade Commission's lawsuit to block GTCR's purchase of Surmodics. The company proposed a divestiture to appease the FTC.

Surmodics shares (NYSE: SUR) surged by 12% on July 2, 2025, following a pre-trial hearing in the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) lawsuit to block GTCR BC Holdings, LLC's acquisition of Surmodics, Inc. [1]. The hearing highlighted the FTC's concerns about the deal, which seeks to combine the two largest manufacturers of critical medical device coatings.

The FTC alleges that the acquisition would create a combined company controlling more than 50% of the market for outsourced hydrophilic coatings. These coatings are crucial for lifesaving medical devices such as catheters and guidewires. In response to the FTC's concerns, GTCR proposed a divestiture to appease the regulatory body [1].

The FTC initially filed an administrative complaint against GTCR and Surmodics in 2025, alleging that the deal was anticompetitive. The complaint was later amended to include the states of Illinois and Minnesota as co-plaintiffs and GTCR, LLC as an additional defendant [1]. The case remains pending, and the FTC continues to scrutinize the proposed acquisition.

In addition to the FTC's lawsuit, Surmodics has been in the news for its financial performance. The company declared a $0.58/share quarterly dividend, marking an 185% increase from the prior dividend of $0.57. This dividend announcement was made on July 1, 2025, and is payable on September 15 for shareholders of record by September 2, with an ex-dividend date of September 2 [2].

The recent developments in the FTC lawsuit and the dividend announcement have contributed to the positive market sentiment towards Surmodics shares. Investors are closely monitoring the case's progress and the company's financial health.

References:
[1] https://www.ftc.gov/merger
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4472232-kellanova-raises-quarterly-dividend-by-185-to-058share