Danaher’s nearly $10 billion agreement to buy Masimo closes a long chapter for founder Joe Kiani, who built the company over three decades into a major maker of pulse oximeters and patient-monitoring technology. He stepped down as CEO in 2024 following a dispute with Politan Capital Management. Reflecting on the sale, Kiani said, “It was a privilege to do this Masimo thing. I did it for 36 years,” adding that the activist battle “was miserable for a couple of years.” Danaher will pay $180 per share in cash, roughly a 40% premium, and operate the Irvine-based company within a diagnostics portfolio that includes Radiometer and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics.
Kiani, whose remaining stake exceeds $500 million at the transaction price, welcomed the outcome, saying the acquisition “seems like a really good ending compared to where it could have gone.” He now plans to focus on other ventures, including Willow Labs and Minded Labs, while investing in emerging medical and technology startups. He emphasized he has no intention of slowing down, noting, “I couldn’t just retire and go have so-called fun. I enjoy bringing products to market. Once I imagine something that needs to be out there, I can’t stop thinking about it.”
