What Stille does

Stille AB is a Swedish medical device company founded in 1841 and listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market (ticker: STIL), with its global headquarters and primary manufacturing facility in Torshälla/Eskilstuna, Sweden, and a US subsidiary (Stille Surgical, Inc.) in Lombard, Illinois. The company operates two business units: Surgical Instruments, comprising hand-forged premium scissors (including the Diamond-coated SuperCut series), forceps, clamps, retractors, needle holders (DUO-GRIP), and micro instruments, all backed by a 30-year warranty; and Surgical Imaging Tables (C-arm tables), led by the carbon-fiber imagiQ3 Legacy and the Medstone series configured for cardiovascular, ERCP, pain management, and electrophysiology procedures. Proprietary technologies include the TrueFreeFloat patient positioning mechanism, premium carbon-fiber construction delivering up to 60% greater radiolucency and up to 20% radiation reduction, and a diamond-like-layer coating on SuperCut scissors.

The company generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales to hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics via a hybrid GTM combining direct field sales (notably through Stille Surgical, Inc. in North America), a global distributor network, and exclusive co-marketing arrangements with all four major C-arm manufacturers (GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, Ziehm Imaging). The December 2021 GS2 general surgery table was launched in exclusive collaboration with GE Healthcare, and Synovis Micro Companies Alliance holds exclusive US distribution rights for microsurgical instruments. Extended multi-year warranties (3-4 years on tables, 30 years on instruments) and aftermarket services (instrument care education, repair, inspection) provide secondary revenue streams. Reported FY2022 revenue was 246.3 MSEK (~76% YoY growth, 16% organic) and Q4 2023 revenue was 77.3 MSEK (+25% YoY).

Stille's growth strategy is acquisition-led. In July 2021, the company acquired Swiss microsurgical instrument maker S&T AG, doubling the Surgical Instruments unit. In November 2023, Stille raised SEK 425 million via an oversubscribed share issuance to fund the January 2024 acquisition of German instrument maker Fehling Instruments GmbH & Co. KG for EUR 36 million (Fehling reported EUR 15.8M of 2022 sales). The company also holds ISO 13485:2016 and EC certification, positions itself as the market leader in fluoroscopy/C-arm tables, and is led by CEO Torbjörn Sköld (appointed March 2023).

Name

Stille

Legal name

Stille AB

Website

https://stille.se

Company type

Public

Founded year

1841

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Stille AB is a Swedish medical device company (founded 1841) that manufactures and sells premium hand-forged surgical instruments and advanced carbon-fiber C-arm imaging tables to hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics worldwide, with growing US distribution and an active European bolt-on M&A strategy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Devices (Surgical Instruments & Imaging Tables)

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Open & Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments (Handheld, Laparoscopic, MIS) (HLAHADAA)

Keywords

• Surgical instruments
• C-arm imaging tables
• Medical devices
• Fluoroscopy tables
• Microsurgical instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Torshälla

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Surgical Instruments: Sale of hand-made premium surgical instruments including scissors, forceps, clamps, retractors, and skin hooks. Instruments are sold to hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers globally through direct sales and distributors. All instruments come with a 30-year warranty. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales, with potential for service and repair revenue.
2. C-arm Tables (Surgical Imaging Tables): Sale of advanced surgical imaging tables (imagiQ series, Medstone series) used during minimally invasive procedures where precision imaging is critical. Tables are sold with standard warranties (3-4 years on parts/labor depending on model) and extended warranty options. Professional installation, service, and preventive maintenance services are offered as additional revenue streams.
3. Acquisition-driven Growth: Strategic acquisitions to expand product portfolio and market reach. Acquired Fehling Instruments (Germany, January 2024) for EUR 36 million and S&T AG (Switzerland, July 2021) to double the size of the Surgical Instruments business unit. Acquisitions contribute additional sales volume and cross-selling opportunities across existing distribution networks.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Stille is a Swedish medical device company (founded 1841) that manufactures and distributes two core product lines: hand-made premium surgical instruments (scissors, forceps, clamps, retractors, micro instruments) backed by a 30-year warranty, and advanced carbon fiber C-arm (fluoroscopy) imaging tables for minimally invasive, image-guided surgical procedures.

Product overview

Stille is a Swedish medical technology company (founded 1841) offering two core product lines: Surgical Instruments and C-arm Tables. The Surgical Instruments division provides hand-made premium surgical instruments including scissors (SuperCut series with Diamond, Ergonomic, and XE variants), forceps, clamps, retractors, and micro instruments, all backed by a 30-year warranty. The C-arm Tables division offers advanced imaging tables including the imagiQ3 Legacy (advanced imaging), Medstone series (available in CV/Cardiac, ERCP/Gastrointestinal, and PM/Pain Management configurations). The product portfolio is designed for use in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers, with tables specifically designed for minimally invasive surgery where precision imaging is critical. Stille acquired Fehling Instruments in January 2024 and S&T AG in 2021 to expand its surgical instrument offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• imagiQ3 Legacy Third-generation advanced C-arm imaging table made of premium carbon fiber with 60% greater radiolucency than other tables. Features TrueFreeFloat technology for swift, intuitive patient positioning, reduces C-arm radiation exposure by up to 20%, and can cut operating time by up to 40 minutes. Used by hospitals and surgical centers for minimally invasive image-guided procedures.
• Medstone5 CV Cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular C-arm table designed for minimally invasive procedures requiring high precision imaging, for hospitals and surgical centers.
• Medstone3 CV Cardiovascular C-arm table for vascular and cardiovascular procedures with free-floating capabilities.
• Medstone5 ERCP Specialized C-arm table designed for gastrointestinal and ERCP procedures with motorized capabilities.
• Medstone3 ERCP Gastrointestinal C-arm table for ERCP procedures.
• Medstone5 PM Pain management C-arm table designed for interventional pain procedures.
• Medstone3 PM Pain management C-arm table with free-floating capabilities for precise positioning during interventional procedures.
• Medstone2 PM Compact pain management C-arm table for interventional pain procedures.
• Medstone3 PM Rectangular Pain management C-arm table with rectangular top design for specialized procedures.
• GS2 General Surgery Table General surgery table launched in exclusive collaboration with GE Healthcare, expanding Stille's table product range beyond C-arm-specific tables.
• SuperCut Scissors Premium hand-made surgical scissors with superior precision and tactile feedback, available in Diamond (diamond-like-layer coating), Ergonomic, and standard SuperCut XE variants, backed by a 30-year warranty.
• Eye Scissors Precision scissors designed for ophthalmic surgical procedures with superior cutting ability.
• Vascular Scissors Surgical scissors designed for vascular procedures requiring precise cutting.
• Tenotomy Scissors Surgical scissors designed for tenotomy procedures with precision cutting capabilities.
• Forceps Surgical forceps including dressing, tissue, vascular, iris, dura, knot-holding, and diathermy forceps, designed as an extension of the surgeon's thumb and forefinger for precise grasping.
• Clamps Surgical clamps including colon, gall duct, multi-purpose, tangential occlusion, peripheral vascular, and anastomosis clamps.
• Retractors & Skin Hooks Retraction devices including skin hooks, nerve hooks, retractors, rib spreaders, self-retaining retractors, trachea retractors, and nasal specula.
• Micro Instruments Expanded line of micro instruments including stainless steel and titanium patterns for microsurgery with fingertip feel and perfect balance.
• Needle Holders (DUO-GRIP) Precision needle holders including the DUO-GRIP model with an innovative design that reduces suturing time and tissue manipulation while improving ergonomics for surgeons.
• Radiation Shields Radiation protection equipment for image-guided and interventional procedures to minimize radiation exposure.
• Instrument Care Education User training and education services for surgical instruments including care and maintenance training.
• Instrument Repair & Maintenance Comprehensive repair and maintenance services for Stille surgical instruments.
• Instrument Inspection Professional instrument inspection services to assess condition and functionality.

Quantifiable outcome

• imagiQ3 Legacy reduces C-arm radiation exposure up to 20% relative to first-generation imagiQ, equivalent to 250+ chest X-ray procedures per patient
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Fehling Instruments GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 January 2024Acquired in January 2024 for EUR 36 million (financed through SEK 425 million share issuance). Fehling Instruments is a German medical instrument manufacturer with EUR 15.8 million in sales (2022). The acquisition significantly broadens Stille's product portfolio and strengthens its global presence and R&D capabilities.
• Synovis Micro Companies AlliancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2021Exclusive distribution agreement signed in December 2021 for surgical instruments in the US market. Synovis Micro Companies Alliance distributes Stille's microsurgical instruments through its established sales channels to hospitals and surgical centers across the United States.
• S&T AG (Switzerland)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2021Acquired 100% of shares in Swiss company S&T AG on July 8, 2021. S&T AG develops, manufactures, and markets microsurgical instruments. The acquisition doubled the size of Stille's Surgical Instruments business unit and provided cross-selling synergies in both products and distribution networks. S&T continues to deliver high revenue and profitability.
• GE HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStille has established a partnership with GE Healthcare for the distribution and co-development of surgical imaging solutions. In December 2021, the companies launched the GS2 general surgery table in exclusive collaboration with GE Healthcare. The partnership leverages GE Healthcare's global distribution network and brand presence to expand Stille's market reach in the surgical table segment.
• PhilipscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStille has established a partnership with Philips for the distribution of C-arm compatible surgical tables. The partnership enables Stille's imaging tables to be sold alongside Philips' C-arm and imaging systems, providing integrated solutions for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
• Siemens HealthineerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Siemens Healthineers for integrated C-arm and surgical table solutions. Stille's tables are designed for compatibility with Siemens' imaging systems, providing combined offerings for cardiovascular, interventional radiology, and other image-guided procedures.
• Ziehm ImagingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ziehm Imaging for integrated solutions combining Ziehm's mobile C-arm systems with Stille's surgical imaging tables. Supports Stille's position in the mobile C-arm table segment.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Zimmer Biomet: Zimmer Biomet is a global orthopedic and surgical device leader with a sizable surgical instruments business, comparable to Stille in orthopedic-related instrument categories and adjacent to Stille's surgical table footprint.
• STERIS: STERIS provides surgical tables, OR integration, and sterile processing solutions for hospitals, overlapping with Stille in surgical tables and instrument reprocessing and serving many of the same acute-care customers.
• Stryker: Stryker is a global medical device leader with surgical instruments, surgical tables, and integrated OR solutions, making it a broad incumbent competitor across both of Stille's core product lines—instruments and surgical imaging tables.
• B. Braun (Aesculap): B. Braun's Aesculap division is one of the world's largest manufacturers of surgical instruments and OR equipment, directly comparable to Stille's premium hand-made instruments across general, micro, and specialty surgery. Like Stille, Aesculap sells to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers globally.
• Integra LifeSciences: Integra LifeSciences offers a broad portfolio of surgical instruments and specialty surgical products across neurosurgery, ENT, and plastics, overlapping with Stille's premium instrument positioning and serving many of the same hospital customers.

Direct peers

• Scanlan International: Scanlan International is a US-based premium manufacturer of microsurgical and specialty surgical instruments, closely comparable to Stille's high-end instrument range sold to cardio, neuro, and plastic surgeons, including Stille's expanded micro instrument line post-S&T acquisition.
• Mizuho OSI: Mizuho OSI specializes in specialty surgical and imaging tables—including carbon fiber tables for C-arm fluoroscopy—directly competing with Stille's imagiQ3 Legacy and Medstone lines in cardiovascular, spinal, and image-guided procedure markets.
• Sklar Instruments: Sklar Instruments is a long-standing US manufacturer and distributor of surgical instruments across virtually every specialty, comparable to Stille's broader catalog of reusable surgical instruments sold to hospitals and surgery centers.
• Trumpf Medical (Hillrom / Baxter): Trumpf Medical manufactures premium surgical and imaging tables, including carbon-fiber and C-arm-compatible models, directly comparable to Stille's Medstone and imagiQ3 Legacy offerings for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.

Emerging players

• Medifa: Medifa is a German specialist in operating tables and medical treatment chairs, including C-arm-compatible surgical tables, making it a focused emerging peer to Stille in the European imaging-table segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stille