Estimates show U.S. health spending grew 7.2% in 2024
U.S. health care spending reached $5.3 trillion in 2024 – growing 7.2% from 2023 – the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported Jan. 14 in Health Affairs. CMS cited non-price factors, including use and intensity of services, as the primary drivers of increased spending. Spending on hospital care increased 8.9% due to continued post-pandemic rebounds in service use.
Clorox to acquire GOJO industries
The Clorox Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GOJO Industries, the Akron, Ohio–based maker of Purell and other skin health and hygiene products, in a cash transaction valued at $2.25 billion. Including anticipated tax benefits of roughly $330 million, the net purchase price totals about $1.92 billion.
The move significantly expands Clorox’s presence in the health and hygiene sector by bringing the market-leading Purell brand into its portfolio, spanning consumer and institutional channels. GOJO, founded in 1946 and generating nearly $800 million in annual sales with strong business-to-business reach, will remain based in Ohio following the acquisition’s completion.
Clorox expects the acquisition to accelerate growth for the Purell brand through its distribution capabilities and to deliver strategic benefits, including cost synergies and earnings accretion by the second year. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close before the end of Clorox’s fiscal year 2026.
Midmark promotes Sailesh Tangirala to VP of Corporate Strategy
Midmark Corp. announced the promotion of Sailesh Tangirala to Vice President of Corporate Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and strategic growth.
Tangirala joined Midmark in January 2025 as senior director of corporate strategy. In his new role, Tangirala will lead the development and execution of Midmark’s five-year strategic plan, driving innovation and alignment across all business units.
“Sailesh’s strategic insight and collaborative leadership have already made a significant impact at Midmark,” said Jon Wells, president and CEO of Midmark. “In this expanded role, Sailesh will be instrumental in shaping our future and delivering on our promise to improve patient-caregiver experiences. His leadership will accelerate the launch of new products and solutions, ensuring Midmark remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.”
Prior to joining Midmark, Tangirala held senior roles at Mammotome, where he led global product management and strategic marketing. Tangirala earned a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration degree from Xavier University.
ZOLL LifeVest® WCD saved 143 lives over the holiday season
ZOLL®, an Asahi Kasei company that manufactures medical devices and related software solutions, announced that the LifeVest® wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) saved 143 patients between Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) and New Year’s Day, an average of four patients per day. LifeVest is a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) that is prescribed to heart patients who are at temporary risk of sudden cardiac death due to certain rapid life-threatening heart rhythms. When needed, the device can deliver a lifesaving treatment shock.