Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced in June 2017.

Despite its attraction, diabetes glucose monitoring remains a tough field for newcomers, who face competition from four major-league, entrenched players. But two of the newer entrants appear to be succeeding--not because of revolutionary technology, but because of partnering savvy, efficient execution, and technological competence. Analysts expect Inverness Medical's symbiotic relationship with LifeScan to help Inverness's diabetes sales grow 30% a year as LifeScan pushes Inverness-made products as a major part of its fight to regain its market leadership. Home Diagnostics Inc.'s success with co-branding raises the prospect that discounting, until now not a significant factor, will become much more common in the field.