Japan's Olympus rescinds purchase of South Korean stent maker

Product data problems spur sale of Taewoong back to original shareholders

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Olympus had spent $255.5 million on the Taewoong Medical acquisition before discovering the data issues. (Photo by Shoko Kugai)

KOHEI YAMADA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Olympus will sell its entire stake in South Korea-based Taewoong Medical back to the former shareholders, the Japanese company said Friday, rescinding its acquisition after finding problems with data provided by the medical products maker.

Olympus had bought Taewoong, which manufactures gastrointestinal stents, in January for $255.5 million up front, with up to $114.5 million more to be paid later depending on Taewoong's results for the two years after the acquisition.

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