BlackRock boosts medical device stakes

Hedge fund goliath BlackRock Inc. boosts its stake in a bevy of medical device companies.

BlackRock Inc., 1 of the world's largest hedge funds, boosted its stake in a clutch of medical device companies, with 1 exception.

The New York-based firm increased its position in St. Jude Medical [1] (NYSE:STJ [2]), Sirona Dental Systems [3] (NSDQ:SIRO [4]) and Boston Scientific [5] (NYSE:BSX [6]) by double-digit percentages, according to regulatory filings. With other companies, the stakes seem to be newly acquired as of the end of 2012.

BlackRock, which has more than $3.51 trillion in assets under its umbrella, raised its share in St. Jude by more than 26%, owning about 19.6 million shares. Next up was Sirona, with a share boost of 19.5%, followed by Boston Scientific, with a 13.5% increase.