Orthofix International N.V. (Orthofix) has expanded the distribution agreement with MBA Group (MBA) for its spine implant and biologic devices in the UK. The new five-year agreement with MBA is effective as of May 1, 2009. MBA has been the exclusive distributor of Orthofix's orthopedic devices in Spain and Portugal for over 20 years and has expanded its relationship in 2008 by becoming the Orthofix’s distributor of spine implant products in Spain and Portugal.

“MBA has been a key partner during Orthofix’s growth over the last 20 years and, after successfully expanding our relationship last year to include the distribution of our spine implant products in Spain and Portugal, we are excited to further expand our spine distribution agreement with them into the important UK market,” said Alan Milinazzo, president and CEO of Orthofix.

Paul Griffin, MBA’s chief operating officer and a member of their board of directors said, “MBA’s excellent and long-standing relationship with Orthofix, together with our very successful 2008 spine launch led to this latest agreement after the management teams from both organisations met to explore opportunities to further expand our mutually beneficial strategic partnership.”

Griffin added, “The U.K. is one of Europe’s top five spine markets, and by combining Orthofix’s extensive spine product portfolio with MBA’s highly experienced UK management team and marketing know-how, we feel confident in our plans to develop a very successful business together in this key market. MBA has an excellent and long-established international reputation for marketing and distributing medical devices, an unparalleled reputation for customer service in Spain, Italy and Portugal and is now ready to expand these services into other key areas in Europe.”

Orthofix is a Netherlands Antilles-based medical device company.

MBA is a UK-based distributor of medical devices.