LivaNova PLC

Previous wording

LivaNova designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells products globally, and the Company intends to continue to pursue growth opportunities worldwide. LivaNova’s international operations are subject to risks that are inherent in conducting business globally and under non-US laws, regulations and customs. These risks, many of which LivaNova has experienced first-hand, include: higher danger of terrorist activity, war or civil unrest; greater exposure to inflation; volatility in freight and labor costs; fluctuating interest and exchange rates; evolving sanctions; increased exposure to cyber-attacks and supply chain challenges; changing energy prices; local product changes and compliance requirements; longer payments terms and collection times for receivables in local jurisdictions; difficulty enforcing agreements; greater exposure to creditworthiness of customers and inconsistent local law enforcement of obligations; trade protection measures and import and export licensing requirements; ensuring compliance with anti-bribery laws; different labor regulations and workforce instability; selling its products through distributors and agents; and political and economic instability.

Current wording

LivaNova designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells products and therapies globally, and the Company intends to continue to pursue growth opportunities worldwide. LivaNova’s international operations are subject to risks that are inherent in conducting business globally. These risks, many of which LivaNova has experienced first-hand, include higher danger of terrorist activity, war, or civil unrest; greater exposure to inflation; volatility in freight and labor costs; fluctuating interest and exchange rates; increased exposure to cyber-attacks and supply chain challenges; trade protection measures such as tariffs, evolving sanctions, and import and export licensing requirements; changing energy prices; local product changes and compliance requirements; longer payment terms and collection times for receivables in local jurisdictions; difficulty enforcing agreements; greater exposure to creditworthiness of customers and inconsistent local law enforcement of obligations; ensuring compliance with anti-bribery laws; differing labor regulations and workforce instability; selling by way of distributors and agents; and political and economic instability. Many of these risks are rapidly evolving and subject to an accelerating pace of change.

Previous wording

Conflicts, for example, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have caused the Company to assess its ability to source materials, sell product, collect payment, and comply with international sanctions in the aforementioned markets. These conflicts have increased economic and regulatory uncertainties, and a significant escalation or continuation of these conflicts could have a material impact on the Company’s operating results.

Current wording

Conflicts, for example, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have caused the Company to assess its ability to source materials, manage transportation costs, sell product, collect payment, and comply with international sanctions. These conflicts have increased economic and regulatory uncertainties, and a significant escalation or continuation of these conflicts could have a material impact on the Company’s operating results.

Previous wording

Certain of LivaNova’s subsidiaries have engaged in business dealings in countries subject to comprehensive sanctions, including Iran, Sudan and Syria in addition to Russia and Belarus. These business dealings represent an insignificant amount of LivaNova’s consolidated revenues and income but expose the Company to a heightened risk of violating applicable sanctions regulations. Violations of these regulations are punishable by civil and criminal penalties including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment from government contracts and revocations or restriction of licenses, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment. Despite best efforts to comply, there can be no assurance that LivaNova’s policies and procedures will prevent the Company from violating these regulations in every transaction in which LivaNova may engage, and such a violation could adversely affect its reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

Certain of LivaNova’s subsidiaries are engaged in business dealings in countries subject to comprehensive sanctions, including Iran and Russia. These business dealings represent an insignificant amount of LivaNova’s consolidated revenues and income but expose the Company to a heightened risk of violating applicable sanctions regulations. Violations of these regulations are punishable by civil and criminal penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment from government contracts, and revocations or restriction of licenses, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment. Despite best efforts to comply, there can be no assurance that LivaNova’s policies and procedures will prevent the Company from violating these regulations in every transaction in which LivaNova may engage, and such a violation could adversely affect its reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s global operations result in revenues and expenses that are denominated in currencies other than LivaNova’s reporting currency, the USD. Fluctuations in exchange rates may impact, and have impacted, LivaNova’s results of operations and financial condition. Although LivaNova has in the past elected, and may in the future elect, to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, it is unlikely that any hedging strategy would eliminate its currency risk entirely.

Current wording

In addition, LivaNova’s global operations result in revenues and expenses that are denominated in currencies other than LivaNova’s reporting currency, the USD. Fluctuations in exchange rates may impact, and have impacted, LivaNova’s results of operations and financial condition. Although LivaNova has in the past elected, and may in the future elect, to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, it is unlikely that any hedging strategy would eliminate its currency risk entirely. LivaNova cannot predict the change in currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes, or the degree to which it will be able to manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes.

Previous wording

LivaNova purchases many of the components and raw materials used in manufacturing its products from numerous suppliers in various countries. In some cases, LivaNova purchases specific components and raw materials from primary or main suppliers (or in some cases, a single or sole supplier) for reasons related to quality assurance, cost-effectiveness and availability. Any problem affecting a supplier (whether due to external or internal causes) could have a negative impact on LivaNova. Difficulties and delays in manufacturing, internally, externally or otherwise within the supply chain, may lead to voluntary or involuntary business interruptions or shutdowns, product shortages, withdrawals or suspensions of products from the market, and potential regulatory action.

Current wording

LivaNova purchases many of the components and raw materials used in manufacturing its products from numerous suppliers in various countries. In some cases, LivaNova purchases specific components and raw materials from primary or main suppliers (or in some cases, a single or sole supplier) for reasons related to quality assurance, cost-effectiveness, and availability. Although the Company has generally been able to maintain necessary supplies of raw materials and components, supplier shortages and interruptions of certain components, such as PC-coated PMP fiber used in the manufacture of oxygenators, have caused, and may in the future cause, meaningful disruptions to LivaNova’s product manufacturing supply chain. Any problem affecting a supplier (whether due to external or internal causes) could have, and in certain instances, has had, a negative impact on LivaNova. Difficulties and delays in manufacturing, internally, externally, or otherwise within the supply chain, may lead to voluntary or involuntary business interruptions or shutdowns, employee furloughs, product shortages, withdrawals or suspensions of products from the market, and potential regulatory action.

Previous wording

While LivaNova works closely with its suppliers to ensure supply continuity and minimize the instances in which LivaNova relies on a sole supplier, the Company cannot guarantee that its efforts will always be successful. Moreover, due to strict standards and regulations governing the manufacture and marketing of LivaNova’s products, the Company may not be able to locate new supply sources quickly or at all in response to a supply reduction or interruption, resulting in negative effects on its ability to manufacture products effectively and timely. To date, the Company’s supply of raw materials and the production and distribution of finished products have not been materially affected, but to the extent the Company is unsuccessful in managing its supply chain, any such issues could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

Moreover, due to strict standards and regulations governing the manufacture and marketing of LivaNova’s products, the Company may not be able to locate new supply sources quickly or at all in response to a supply reduction or interruption, especially for components and raw materials sourced by a single or sole supplier, resulting in negative effects on its ability to meet market demand and to manufacture products effectively and timely. To the extent the Company is unsuccessful in managing its supply chain, any such issues could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

Cyber-attacks or other disruptions to LivaNova’s information technology systems could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, fines, harm to LivaNova’s competitive position and loss of reputation.

Current wording

Cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions to LivaNova’s information technology systems could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, regulatory fines, litigation, harm to LivaNova’s competitive position, and loss of reputation.

Previous wording

LivaNova is increasingly dependent on its information technology systems and those of third parties to operate its business, and certain products of the Company include integrated software and information technology. Such dependencies have been exacerbated by remote working practices. LivaNova relies on information technology systems to collect and process customer orders, manage product manufacturing and shipping, and support regulatory compliance. The Company routinely processes, stores and transmits large amounts of data, including sensitive personal information, patient health information and confidential business information. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to LivaNova’s operations. The quantity and complexity of the Company’s products and information technology systems make such systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks, breakdown, interruptions, destruction, loss or compromise of data, obsolescence or incompatibility among systems or other significant disruptions. The Company has experienced, and is continually at risk of being subject to cyber-attacks and other disruptions. Programs and systems may require frequent updates or may no longer be supported, which may impact the ability of the Company’s information technology systems to operate properly or without disruption. Unauthorized persons routinely attempt to access LivaNova’s systems to disrupt, disable or degrade services, obtain proprietary or confidential information, make ransom demands, and/or remotely disrupt or access the systems of large health care providers by exploiting the Company’s systems. Furthermore, LivaNova’s security assessments of third-party vendors may be inadequate to determine whether their security protocols are sufficient to withstand a cyber-attack or other security breach. LivaNova also cannot be certain that the Company will receive timely notification of such cyber-attacks or other security breaches. Cyber-attacks or other security breaches could remain undetected for an extended period, which could potentially result in significant harm to the Company’s information technology systems, as well as unauthorized access to the information stored on and transmitted by the Company’s information technology systems. In addition, to access LivaNova’s products and services, its clients may use computers and other devices that are beyond the Company’s security control safeguards.

Current wording

The Company has experienced and is continually at risk of being subject to cybersecurity incidents and other disruptions. Programs and systems may require frequent updates or may no longer be supported, which may impact the ability of the Company’s information technology systems to operate properly or without disruption. Unauthorized persons routinely attempt to access LivaNova’s systems to disrupt, disable, or degrade services; obtain proprietary or confidential information; or remotely disrupt or access the systems of large healthcare provider customers of the Company by attempting to exploit the Company’s systems. Furthermore, LivaNova’s security assessments of third-party vendors may be inadequate to determine whether their security protocols are sufficient to prevent a cybersecurity incident or other system or data compromise. LivaNova also cannot be certain that the Company will receive timely notification by its third-party vendors of such matters. Cybersecurity incidents and other system and data compromises could remain undetected for an extended period, which could potentially result in significant harm to the Company’s information technology systems, as well as unauthorized access to, or acquisition of, the information stored on and/or transmitted by the Company’s information technology systems. In addition, to access LivaNova’s products and services, its customers may use computers and other devices that are beyond the Company’s security control safeguards.

Previous wording

Unauthorized disclosure or use of, denial of access to, or other incidents involving sensitive or confidential customer, patient, employee, vendor or Company data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud, misappropriation, or cybersecurity, ransomware or malware attacks, or other intentional or unintentional acts, could expose the Company to liability under various laws and regulations across jurisdictions and increase the risk of litigation and governmental or regulatory investigation, damage LivaNova’s reputation and its competitive positioning in the marketplace, disrupt its, or the Company’s customers’ businesses, or cause LivaNova to lose customers, resulting in significant financial exposure and legal liability. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through, denial of access to, or other incidents involving LivaNova or its vendors’ information systems, whether by the Company’s employees or third parties, including a cyber-attack by criminal hackers, members of organized crime groups or state-sponsored organizations, who continuously develop and deploy viruses, ransomware, malware or other malicious software programs or social engineering attacks, has resulted and could in the future result in negative publicity, significant remediation costs, legal liability, notification requirements, and damage to LivaNova’s reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Cybersecurity threats are constantly expanding and evolving, becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, increasing the difficulty of detecting and defending against them and maintaining effective security measures and protocols. Even when a cyber-attack or other security incident is detected, the full extent of the incident may not be determined immediately. The costs to the Company to mitigate cyber-attacks and security incidents could be significant and, while the Company has implemented security measures to protect its information technology systems, its efforts to address these problems may not be successful. LivaNova’s cyber risk insurance may be insufficient to cover all losses, such as litigation costs or financial losses that exceed the Company’s policy limits or are not covered under any of its current insurance policies. Cyber risk insurance has also become more difficult and expensive to obtain, and LivaNova cannot be certain that the Company’s current levels of insurance will be available in the future on economically reasonable terms.

Current wording

Unauthorized disclosure or use of, denial of access to, or other incidents involving sensitive or confidential customer, patient, employee, vendor or Company data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud, misappropriation, cybersecurity incidents, or other intentional or unintentional acts, could expose and have exposed the Company to liability under various laws and regulations across jurisdictions and increase the risk of litigation and governmental or regulatory investigation, damage LivaNova’s reputation and its competitive positioning in the marketplace, disrupt its or its customers’ business operations, or cause LivaNova to lose customers, potentially resulting in significant financial exposure and legal liability. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through, denial of access to, or other incidents involving LivaNova or its vendors’ information systems, whether by the Company’s employees or third parties, including a cyber-attack by criminal hackers, or state-sponsored organizations, who continuously develop and deploy viruses, ransomware, malware, or other malicious software programs or social engineering attacks, have resulted and could in the future result in negative publicity, significant remediation costs, legal liability, notification requirements, and damage to LivaNova’s reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

As previously disclosed, in November 2023, LivaNova detected a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a disruption of portions of the Company’s information technology systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, LivaNova began an investigation with assistance from external cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement. LivaNova continues to assess the full impact of the cybersecurity event on its business, and these impacts may materially affect its results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

As previously disclosed, in November 2023, LivaNova detected a cybersecurity incident that resulted in a disruption of portions of the Company’s information technology systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, LivaNova began an investigation with assistance from external cybersecurity experts and coordinated with law enforcement. The Company implemented remediation measures to mitigate the impact of the incident. The Company also assessed the nature and scope of the affected data, analyzed its statutory notification obligations, and notified affected individuals and regulators as required by applicable law. The incident has been contained, and the Company’s mitigation efforts are considered complete, but any future cybersecurity event has the potential to materially affect its results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

The costs of complying with the requirements of federal, state, and foreign laws pertaining to the privacy and security of personal information, including health-related information and the potential liability associated with failure to do so, could materially adversely affect LivaNova’s business and results of operations.

Current wording

The costs of complying with the requirements of U.S. federal and state and international laws and regulations pertaining to the privacy and security of personal information, including health-related information, and the potential liability associated with failure to comply with such laws and regulations, could materially adversely affect LivaNova’s business and results of operations.

Previous wording

There is significant regulatory and enforcement focus on data protection in the US (at both the federal and state level) and abroad, and an actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable US or foreign data protection regulations or other data protection standards may expose LivaNova to litigation, including class action litigation, fines, sanctions or other penalties, which could harm the Company’s reputation and adversely impact LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The Company collects, stores, and handles employee and patient data, including sensitive patient health information, which may present material obligations and risks to LivaNova’s business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs and enforcement risks. If LivaNova does not lawfully collect, store, handle or otherwise process personal information and does not prevent data breaches, particularly given the increased risks associated with sensitive health information, LivaNova may suffer legal and regulatory consequences in addition to business consequences. As a result of its worldwide operations, the Company may be subject to various data protection and cyber-security laws and regulations in many jurisdictions, including HIPAA, the CCPA and similar state laws, and the GDPR. Other governments have enacted, amended, or are enacting similar data protection laws, including data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders and other technical and operational adaptions that may be required given the rapid changes in data protection regulation where LivaNova conducts business. The enactment of such laws could have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging. LivaNova’s efforts to comply with applicable laws and regulations may be inadequate, and the Company may be unable to avoid enforcement actions by governmental bodies. Enforcement actions may be costly and could interrupt regular operations of LivaNova’s business. Moreover, LivaNova’s insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses. In addition, there is a trend of civil lawsuits and class actions relating to compromises of personal data or other cyber-attacks pursuant to laws such as the CCPA. While LivaNova has not been named in any such lawsuits, the Company could become a target of civil litigation or government enforcement actions as a result of a compromise to or loss of data.

Current wording

As a result of its worldwide operations, the Company is subject to various data protection and cybersecurity laws and regulations in many jurisdictions, including HIPAA, U.S. state privacy and data breach notification laws, and the GDPR. Other governments have enacted or amended or are enacting similar data protection laws, including data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders and other technical and operational adaptions that may be required given the rapid changes in data protection regulation where LivaNova conducts business. The enactment of such laws could have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging. LivaNova’s efforts to comply with applicable laws and regulations may be inadequate, and the Company may be unable to avoid enforcement actions by governmental bodies. Enforcement actions may be costly and could interrupt the regular operations of LivaNova’s business. Moreover, LivaNova’s insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses in connection with alleged non-compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations. In addition, in the U.S., there is a trend of civil lawsuits and class actions relating to compromises of personal information caused by cybersecurity incidents or other system or data compromises, which typically allege negligence, breach of contract, and violation of various state consumer protection laws. LivaNova USA, Inc., for example, was named as a defendant in six putative class actions arising out of the November 2023 cybersecurity incident, which were consolidated into a single action that has been settled. The Company also has received inquiries from HHS’s Office for Civil Rights, U.S. state regulators, and international data protection authorities regarding the 2023 incident. In connection with any potential future cybersecurity incident, the Company similarly could become a target of civil litigation or government enforcement actions as a result of a compromise to or loss of data.

Previous wording

LivaNova operates in a highly competitive market characterized by increasingly complex products that are expensive and time-consuming to develop and manufacture. In the product lines in which LivaNova competes, the Company faces a mixture of competitors ranging from large manufacturers with multiple business lines to small manufacturers that offer a limited selection of specialized products. Development by other companies of new or improved products, processes, or technologies may make LivaNova’s products or proposed products less competitive. In addition, LivaNova faces competition from providers of alternative medical therapies, pharmaceuticals, and surgical interventions, among others. Competitive factors include: product quality, reliability and performance; product technology and innovation; breadth of product lines and product services; ability to identify new market trends; changes to the regulatory environment; cost-effectiveness and price; customer support and training; capacity to recruit engineers, scientists and other qualified employees; ability to navigate the regulatory approval process in the markets in which LivaNova operates; reimbursement approval; and effectiveness of systems and processes. Difficulties in any of these areas may have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

LivaNova operates in a highly competitive market characterized by increasingly complex products that are expensive and time- consuming to develop and manufacture. In the product lines in which LivaNova competes, the Company faces a mixture of competitors ranging from large manufacturers with multiple business lines to small manufacturers that offer a limited selection of specialized products. Development by other companies of new or improved products, processes, therapies, or technologies, including products developed with the effective use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, may make LivaNova’s products or proposed products less competitive. The Company’s failure to adopt or integrate such advanced technologies may hinder product innovation, increase costs, and impact its competitiveness and operational efficiency. In addition, LivaNova faces competition from providers of alternative medical therapies, pharmaceuticals, and surgical interventions, among others. Competitive factors include product quality, reliability and performance; product technology and innovation; breadth of product lines and product services; ability to identify new market trends; changes to the regulatory environment; cost-effectiveness and price; customer support and training; capacity to recruit engineers, scientists, and other qualified employees; ability to navigate the regulatory approval process in the markets in which LivaNova operates; reimbursement approval; reimbursement coverage; and effectiveness of systems and processes. Additionally, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and other public and private research organizations may also conduct research, seek patent protection, and establish collaborative arrangements for discovery, research, clinical development, and marketing of products similar to LivaNova’s products. Difficulties in any of these areas may have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

The rapid pace of technological development in the medical industry and the specialized expertise required in different areas of medicine make it difficult for one company alone to develop a broad portfolio of technological solutions. As a result, LivaNova also relies on investments and investment collaborations to provide the Company access to new technologies. If LivaNova fails to develop new and enhanced products and services on a timely basis, the Company’s offerings will become obsolete over time, and its business and financial results would be negatively impacted. LivaNova’s success depends on several factors, including its ability to appropriately allocate the Company’s R&D funding to products and services with higher growth prospects, for example, further incorporation of software; hiring and retaining the necessary R&D talent; stimulating customer demand for and convincing customers to adopt new technologies; innovating and developing new technologies and applications; and acquiring or obtaining third-party technologies that may have valuable applications in the markets that LivaNova serves.

Current wording

The rapid pace of technological development in the medical industry and the specialized expertise required in different areas of medicine make it difficult for one company alone to develop a broad portfolio of technological solutions. As a result, LivaNova also relies on investments and investment collaborations to provide the Company access to new technologies. If LivaNova fails to develop new and enhanced products and services on a timely basis, the Company’s offerings may become more expensive to maintain and eventually obsolete over time, and its reputation, business, and financial results may be negatively impacted. LivaNova’s success depends on several factors, including its ability to appropriately allocate the Company’s R&D funding to products and services with higher growth prospects, for example, further incorporation of software, hiring and retaining the necessary R&D talent, stimulating customer demand for and convincing customers to adopt new technologies, innovating and developing new technologies and applications, and acquiring or obtaining third-party technologies that may have valuable applications in the markets that LivaNova serves.

Previous wording

LivaNova expects to make investments where it believes that the Company can develop, or acquire, new technologies and products to further LivaNova’s strategic objectives and strengthen LivaNova’s existing businesses. Investments and investment collaborations in and with medical technology companies are inherently risky, and LivaNova cannot guarantee that any of its previous or future acquisitions, investments or investment collaborations will be successful or will not materially adversely affect LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

LivaNova expects to make investments where it believes that the Company can internally develop, or acquire, new technologies and products to further LivaNova’s strategic objectives and strengthen LivaNova’s existing businesses. The success of any investment may be affected by a number of factors, including the Company’s ability to identify and then properly assess and value the potential business opportunity. These types of transactions may require more resources than originally anticipated, may divert management’s attention from the Company’s existing business, and may not result in the expected benefits, savings, or synergies. Investments and investment collaborations in and with medical technology companies are inherently risky, and LivaNova cannot guarantee that any of its previous or future acquisitions, investments, or investment collaborations will be successful or will not materially adversely affect LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

The success and continuing development of LivaNova’s products depend on maintaining strong relationships with physicians and healthcare professionals. If LivaNova fails to maintain its working relationships with physicians and other healthcare professionals, the Company’s products may not be developed and marketed in line with the needs and expectations of the professionals who use and support LivaNova’s products. Physicians assist LivaNova as researchers, marketing consultants, product consultants, inventors and public speakers, and LivaNova relies on these professionals to provide the Company with considerable knowledge and experience. If LivaNova is unable to maintain these strong relationships, the development and marketing of the Company’s products could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

The success and continuing development of LivaNova’s products depend on the ability to work appropriately with healthcare professionals as needed. If LivaNova fails to maintain its working relationships with physicians and other healthcare professionals, the Company’s products may not be developed and marketed in line with the needs and expectations of the professionals who use and support LivaNova’s products. Physicians assist LivaNova as researchers, marketing consultants, product consultants, inventors, and public speakers, and LivaNova relies on these professionals to provide the Company with considerable knowledge and experience. If LivaNova is unable to maintain these relationships, the development and marketing of the Company’s products could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

Quality concerns with LivaNova’s processes, products, and services could harm the Company’s reputation for producing high-quality products and erode LivaNova’s competitive advantage, revenue, and market share.

Current wording

Quality issues with LivaNova’s processes, products, and services could harm the Company’s reputation for producing high-quality products and erode LivaNova’s competitive advantage, revenue, and market share.

Previous wording

Quality is extremely important to LivaNova and its customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure. LivaNova’s quality certifications are critical to the marketing success of the Company’s products and services. If LivaNova fails to meet these standards, the Company’s reputation could be damaged, the Company could lose customers and LivaNova’s revenue and results of operations could decline. Aside from specific customer standards, LivaNova’s success depends generally on the Company’s ability to manufacture precision-engineered components, sub-assemblies, and finished products to exact tolerances with certified materials. If LivaNova’s components fail to meet these standards or fail to adapt to evolving standards, the Company’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality components will be harmed, its competitive advantage could be damaged, and LivaNova could lose customers and market share.

Current wording

Maintaining the quality of the Company’s products is important to LivaNova and its customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure. LivaNova’s quality certifications are critical to the marketing success of the Company’s products and services. If LivaNova fails to meet these standards, the Company’s reputation could be damaged, the Company could lose customers, and LivaNova’s revenue and results of operations could decline. Aside from specific customer standards, LivaNova’s success depends generally on the Company’s ability to manufacture precision-engineered components, sub-assemblies, and finished products to exact tolerances with certified materials. If LivaNova’s components fail to meet these standards or fail to adapt to evolving standards, the Company’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality products will be harmed, certain of its inventory may become obsolete, its competitive advantage could be damaged, and LivaNova could lose customers and market share.

Previous wording

If LivaNova’s marketed medical devices are defective or otherwise pose safety risks, the FDA and similar non-US governmental authorities could require their recall or initiate an enforcement action, or LivaNova may initiate a recall of the Company’s products voluntarily.

Current wording

If LivaNova’s marketed medical devices are defective or otherwise pose safety risks, the FDA and similar non-U.S. governmental authorities could require their recall or initiate an enforcement action, or LivaNova may initiate a recall of the Company’s products or stop sales of products voluntarily.

Previous wording

The FDA and similar non-US governmental authorities may require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design, software or manufacture, or in the event that a product poses an unacceptable risk to patients’ health. Manufacturers, on their own initiative, may recall a product with a material deficiency, and the Company has initiated voluntary product recalls in the past. Any recall announcement could harm LivaNova’s reputation with customers and negatively affect LivaNova’s reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. A recall could also impair LivaNova’s ability to produce its products in a cost-effective and timely manner. In the future, LivaNova may initiate voluntary withdrawal, removal or repair actions that the Company determines do not require notification as a recall. If a regulating authority were to disagree with LivaNova’s determinations, it could require the Company to report those actions as recalls.

Current wording

As a healthcare company, LivaNova’s products are subject to the risk of recalls or enforcement actions. The FDA and similar non-U.S. governmental authorities may require the recall and/or the withdrawal of sales of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design, software, or manufacture, or in the event that a product poses an unacceptable risk to patients’ health. Manufacturers, on their own initiative, may recall a product or stop sales of such product, and the Company has in the past initiated, and may initiate in the future, voluntary product recalls and sale stoppages. Any recall announcement could harm LivaNova’s reputation with customers and negatively affect LivaNova’s reputation, business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position. A recall could also impair LivaNova’s ability to produce its products in a cost-effective and timely manner. In the future, LivaNova may initiate voluntary withdrawal, removal, replacement, or repair actions that the Company determines do not require notification as a recall. If a regulatory authority were to disagree with LivaNova’s determinations, it could require the Company to report those actions as recalls.

Previous wording

In addition, depending on the corrective action taken to redress a device’s deficiencies or defects, regulators may require, or LivaNova may decide, that the Company needs to obtain new approvals or clearances before it markets or distributes the corrected device. Seeking such approvals or clearances may delay LivaNova’s ability to replace the recalled device in a timely manner. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, or related litigation will require investment of the Company’s time and capital, distract management from operating the business, and may harm LivaNova’s reputation and financial results. Moreover, if LivaNova does not adequately address problems associated with its devices, the Company may face additional regulatory enforcement action, including FDA warning letters, product seizure, injunctions, administrative penalties, or civil or criminal fines, any of which could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business.

Current wording

In addition, depending on the corrective action taken to redress a device’s deficiencies or defects, regulators may require, or LivaNova may decide, that the Company needs to obtain new approvals or clearances before it markets or distributes the corrected device. Seeking such approvals or clearances may delay LivaNova’s ability to replace the recalled device in a timely manner. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, or related litigation will require investment of the Company’s time and capital, may distract management from operating the business, may cause the Company to write down inventory related to any product recall or other quality issues, and may harm LivaNova’s reputation and financial results. See, for example, “Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies” in LivaNova’s consolidated financial statements under the section entitled “Product Liability Litigation.” Moreover, if LivaNova does not adequately address problems associated with its devices, the Company may face additional regulatory enforcement actions, including FDA warning letters, product seizures, injunctions, administrative penalties, or civil or criminal fines, any of which could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business.

Previous wording

Both before and after a product is commercially released, LivaNova has ongoing responsibilities under FDA and other applicable non-US government agency regulations. For instance, many of LivaNova’s facilities and procedures and those of its suppliers are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA, which can result, and in the past has resulted, in inspectional observations on the FDA’s Form-483, warning letters, or other forms of enforcement. If the FDA were to conclude that LivaNova is not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, or that any of the Company’s medical products are ineffective or pose an unreasonable health risk, the FDA could ban such medical products, detain or seize adulterated or misbranded medical products, order a recall, repair, replacement or refund of such products, refuse to grant pending PMA applications, and/or require LivaNova to notify health professionals and others that the devices present unreasonable risks of substantial harm to the public health. Similar consequences could follow, such as audits by non-US regulators and notified bodies.

Current wording

Both before and after a product is commercially released, LivaNova has ongoing responsibilities under FDA and other applicable non-U.S. government agency regulations. For instance, many of LivaNova’s facilities and procedures and those of its suppliers are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA, which can result, and in the past has resulted, in inspection observations on the FDA’s Form 483, warning letters, or other forms of enforcement. If the FDA were to conclude that LivaNova is not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, or that any of the Company’s medical products are ineffective or pose an unreasonable health risk, the FDA could ban such medical products; detain or seize adulterated or misbranded medical products; order a recall, repair, replacement, or refund of such products; refuse to grant pending PMA applications; and/or require LivaNova to notify health professionals and others that the devices present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health. Similar consequences could follow, such as audits by non-U.S. regulators and notified bodies.

Previous wording

The FDA and other non-US government agencies could also assess civil or criminal penalties against LivaNova, the Company’s officers, or other employees and/or impose operating restrictions on a company-wide basis. The FDA could also recommend prosecution to the US Department of Justice. An adverse regulatory action could restrict LivaNova from effectively marketing and selling its products, limit its ability to obtain future pre-market clearances or PMAs, and result in a substantial modification to LivaNova’s business practices and operations. These potential consequences, as well as any adverse outcome from government investigations, could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

The FDA and other non-U.S. government agencies could also assess civil or criminal penalties against LivaNova, the Company’s officers, or other employees and/or impose operating restrictions on a company-wide basis. The FDA could also recommend prosecution to the U.S. Department of Justice. An adverse regulatory action could restrict LivaNova from effectively marketing and selling its products, limit its ability to obtain future pre-market clearances or PMAs, and result in a substantial modification to LivaNova’s business practices and operations. These potential consequences, as well as any adverse outcome from government investigations, could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

In addition, device manufacturers are prohibited from promoting their products for uses and indications that are not set forth in the approved product labeling (so called “off-label uses”). While physicians may exercise their discretion in prescribing a device off-label, a device manufacturer’s failure to comply with the related applicable regulations could subject LivaNova to significant civil or criminal exposure, administrative obligations and costs, and/or other potential penalties. The EU MDR, for example, prohibits manufacturers from misleading users and patients by suggesting uses for the device other than those stated as part of the intended purpose for which the conformity assessment was carried out.

Current wording

In addition, device manufacturers are prohibited from promoting their products for uses and indications that are not consistent with the approved product labeling (so called “off-label uses”). While physicians may exercise their discretion in prescribing a device for an off-label use, a device manufacturer’s failure to comply with the related applicable regulations could subject LivaNova to significant civil or criminal exposure, administrative obligations and costs, and/or other potential penalties.

Previous wording

Governmental regulations outside the US have, and may continue to, become increasingly stringent and common as well. For example, the EU MDR has resulted in significant additional premarket and post-market requirements. Certifications to EU MDR must be achieved by December 2027 or December 2028, based on the risk classification of the device. In the interim, the European Commission is allowing companies to use their MDD certifications. LivaNova is working to obtain all appropriate approvals as required, as penalties for regulatory non-compliance can be severe, including fines and revocation or suspension of a company’s business license. The development and implementation of future laws and regulations may also have a material adverse effect on LivaNova.

Current wording

Governmental regulations outside the U.S. have, and may continue to, become increasingly stringent and common as well. For example, MDR has resulted in significant additional pre-market and post-market requirements. Certifications to MDR must be achieved by December 2027 or December 2028, based on the risk classification of the device. In the interim, the European Commission is allowing companies to use their MDD certifications. LivaNova is working to obtain all appropriate approvals as required, as penalties for regulatory non-compliance can be severe, including fines and revocation or suspension of a company’s business license. The development and implementation of future laws and regulations may also have a material adverse effect on LivaNova.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s success depends on its ability to attract and retain key personnel needed to successfully operate its business and to plan for future executive transitions.

Current wording

LivaNova’s success depends on its employees and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel needed to successfully operate its business, plan for future executive transitions, and negotiate with local works councils.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract and retain key employees and maintain robust succession planning for key positions. LivaNova’s ability to recruit and retain key talent depends on many factors, including compensation and benefits, work location, work environment, industry-specific and general economic conditions and the hiring practices of competitors. If LivaNova fails to attract and retain key personnel in senior management and other positions, or if the Company’s succession planning efforts are not effective, it could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

LivaNova’s ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract and retain key employees and maintain robust succession planning for key positions. The Company’s ability to recruit and retain key talent depends on many factors, including compensation and benefits, work location, work environment, industry-specific and general economic conditions, and the hiring practices of competitors. If LivaNova fails to attract and retain key personnel in senior management and other positions, or if the Company’s succession planning efforts are not effective, it could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

In many of the countries where LivaNova operates, employees are covered by various laws and/or collective bargaining agreements that endow them, through their local or national representatives, with the right to be consulted in relation to specific issues, including reorganizations and staff reductions. The laws and/or collective bargaining agreements that are applicable to these agreements could have an impact on LivaNova’s flexibility, as they apply to programs to redefine and/or strategically reposition the Company’s activities. LivaNova’s ability to implement staff reduction programs or even temporary interruptions of employment relationships is predicated on the approval of government entities and the consent of labor unions. A negative response from a works council or union-organized work stoppages by employees could have a negative impact on LivaNova’s business.

Current wording

Furthermore, in many of the countries where LivaNova operates, employees are covered by various local laws and/or collective bargaining agreements, some with the right to be consulted in relation to specific issues, including reorganizations and staff reductions. The laws and/or collective bargaining agreements could have an impact on LivaNova’s flexibility as they apply to programs to redefine and/or strategically reposition the Company’s activities. A negative response to any action taken by LivaNova from a works council or union-organized work stoppages by employees could have a negative impact on LivaNova’s business.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s medical devices and technologies, as well as its business activities, are subject to a complex set of regulations and rigorous enforcement, including by the FDA, US Department of Justice, HHS, and numerous other federal, state, and non-US governmental authorities. The time required to obtain approvals from foreign countries may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA clearance, and requirements for such approvals may differ from FDA requirements. To varying degrees, each of these agencies requires LivaNova to comply with laws and regulations governing the development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, reimbursement, marketing, and distribution of LivaNova’s products. As a part of the approval, marketing clearance or reimbursement process for new products and new indications for existing products, LivaNova may conduct clinical trials and studies. Unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data from existing or future clinical trials, or the interpretation of such clinical data by customers and/or regulatory authorities, may adversely impact LivaNova’s ability to obtain product approvals and receive reimbursement.

Current wording

LivaNova’s medical devices and technologies, as well as its business activities, are subject to a complex set of regulations and rigorous enforcement, including by the FDA, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and numerous other federal, state, and non-U.S. governmental authorities. Leadership and other workforce changes within any of the aforementioned agencies as a result of the change of administration in the U.S. may impact regulations, enforcement priorities, and timelines. The time required to obtain approvals from foreign countries may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA clearance, and requirements for such approvals may differ from FDA requirements. To varying degrees, each of these agencies requires LivaNova to comply with laws and regulations governing the development, modification, testing, manufacturing, labeling, reimbursement, marketing, and distribution of LivaNova’s products. As part of the approval, clearance, or reimbursement process for new products, product modifications, and new indications for existing products, LivaNova may conduct clinical trials and studies. Unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data from existing or future clinical trials, or the unfavorable interpretation of such clinical data by customers, regulatory authorities, or third-party payers, may adversely impact LivaNova’s ability to obtain product approval or clearance, and/or receive reimbursement.

Previous wording

LivaNova, for example, is currently conducting clinical studies, and any delays or news regarding unfavorable or inconsistent data could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business. Success in pre-clinical testing and early clinical studies does not always ensure that later clinical studies will be successful, as LivaNova experienced and announced, for instance, in connection with stopping enrollment of the ANTHEM-HFrEF clinical trial, and LivaNova cannot be sure that later studies will replicate the results of prior studies. Any delay or termination of LivaNova’s clinical studies will delay or preclude the filing of regulatory submissions or requests for coverage determinations and, ultimately, LivaNova’s ability to commercialize new products or product modifications and obtain reimbursement for the Company’s products. It is also possible that patients enrolled in clinical studies will experience adverse side effects that are not currently part of the product’s profile, which could inhibit further marketing and development of such products.

Current wording

LivaNova, for example, is currently conducting clinical studies, and any trial delays or news regarding unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business. Success in pre-clinical testing and early clinical studies does not always ensure that later clinical studies will be successful, and LivaNova cannot be sure that later studies will replicate the results of prior studies. Any termination or delay in the completion of LivaNova’s clinical studies could delay or preclude the filing of regulatory submissions or requests for coverage determinations and, ultimately, LivaNova’s ability to commercialize new or modified products and obtain reimbursement for the Company’s products. It is also possible that patients enrolled in clinical studies will experience adverse side effects that are not currently part of the product’s safety profile, which could inhibit further marketing and development of such products.

Previous wording

Even if LivaNova is able to obtain approval, marketing clearance and reimbursement, it may take a significant amount of time, require the expenditure of substantial resources, involve stringent clinical and pre-clinical testing and increased post-market surveillance, and/or involve modifications, repairs or replacements of LivaNova’s products or limitations on the proposed uses of its products. Ultimately, LivaNova cannot guarantee that its clinical trials will be successful or that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain marketing clearance and/or reimbursement for new products or modifications to existing products. Any such issues, whether in relation to trials, approvals, clearances or reimbursement, could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Current wording

Even if LivaNova is able to obtain product approval, product clearance, and reimbursement, it may take a significant amount of time; require the expenditure of substantial resources; involve stringent pre-clinical and clinical testing; require increased post-market surveillance; involve modifications, repairs, or replacements of LivaNova’s products; and/or impose limitations on the proposed uses of its products. Ultimately, LivaNova cannot guarantee that its clinical trials will be successful or that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain approval or clearance and/or reimbursement for new products or modifications to existing products. Any such issues, whether in relation to clinical trials, approvals, clearances, or reimbursement, could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Previous wording

The impact of pending or existing climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present major risks to LivaNova’s future operations.

Current wording

The impact of pending or existing climate change may have a material impact to LivaNova’s future operations.

Previous wording

The physical impacts of natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, winter storms, wildfires or flooding could pose physical risks to LivaNova’s facilities, temporarily reduce demand, reduce employee productivity, increase absenteeism, disrupt the Company’s supply chain operations and its suppliers’ operations, and negatively impact operational costs. Additionally, transitional climate risks such as changing customer behaviors and changing dynamics in raw materials and utility markets, could lead to lost revenue due to inability to meet changing customer requirements, increasing costs associated with product adjustments to meet changing customer preferences, increasing costs of inputs and raw materials and increasing cost of utilities. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. Legal, regulatory and customer requirements and preferences designed to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment are increasing, and they may impose obligations that may increase LivaNova’s compliance burden and cost to meet these obligations. Individually or in aggregate, such risks could materially negatively impact LivaNova’s future operations.

Current wording

The physical impacts of natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, winter storms, wildfires, or flooding, could potentially damage LivaNova’s facilities, cause unanticipated downtime in production, temporarily reduce demand, reduce employee productivity, increase absenteeism, disrupt the Company’s supply chain operations and its suppliers’ operations, and negatively impact operational costs. Additionally, transitional climate risks, such as changing customer behaviors and changing dynamics in raw materials and utility markets, could lead to lost revenue due to inability to meet changing customer requirements, increasing costs associated with product adjustments to meet changing customer preferences, increasing costs of inputs and raw materials, and increasing cost of utilities. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. Legal, regulatory, and customer requirements and preferences designed to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment are increasing, and there is a risk of obligations being imposed that would increase LivaNova’s compliance burden and cost to meet these obligations. Individually or in the aggregate, such risks could materially negatively impact LivaNova’s future operations.

Previous wording

Global healthcare policy changes and reduction in reimbursement for products may have a material adverse effect on LivaNova.

Current wording

Global healthcare policy changes may have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Previous wording

In response to increases in healthcare costs, there have been and continue to be proposals by governments, regulators and third-party payers to control these costs. These proposals have resulted in efforts to enact healthcare system reforms that may lead to pricing restrictions, payback requirements, limits on the amounts of reimbursement available for LivaNova’s products and limits on the acceptance and use of LivaNova’s products. For example, in 2015, the Italian Parliament introduced rules for entities that supply goods and services to the Italian National Healthcare System, impacting the business and financial reporting of medical technology sector companies that sell devices in Italy. A key provision of the law is a “payback” measure, requiring companies selling medical devices in Italy to repay a percentage of the healthcare expenditures exceeding the regional maximum caps for medical devices. While LivaNova is appealing the imposition of the guidelines and requests for payment pursuant to the rule as well as waiting on the Constitutional Court in Italy to determine the constitutionality of the rule, the Company may not be successful. See “Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies” in LivaNova’s consolidated financial statements included in this Report for additional information.

Current wording

In response to increases in healthcare costs, there have been and continue to be proposals by governments, regulators, and third- party payers globally to control these costs. These proposals, among other things, have resulted in efforts to enact healthcare system reforms that may lead to restricted access, pricing restrictions, payback requirements, and limits on the amounts of reimbursement available for LivaNova’s products. For example, in 2015, the Italian Parliament introduced rules for entities that supply goods and services to the Italian National Healthcare System, impacting the business and financial reporting of medical technology sector companies that sell devices in Italy, including LivaNova. A key provision of the law is a “payback” measure, requiring companies selling medical devices in Italy to repay a percentage of the healthcare expenditures exceeding the regional maximum caps for medical devices. While LivaNova is appealing the imposition of the guidelines and requests for payment pursuant to the rule, the Constitutional Court, in a separate matter, determined the rule constitutional. As a result, the Company may not be successful in its own appeals. See “Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies” in LivaNova’s consolidated financial statements included in this Report for additional information.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s ability to profitably commercialize the Company’s products is dependent, in large part, on whether third-party payers, including private healthcare insurers, managed care plans, governmental programs and others, agree to cover the costs and services associated with LivaNova’s products and related medical procedures in the US and internationally. Third-party payers, including private and government insurers, are increasingly requiring evidence that medical devices are cost-effective. If LivaNova is unable to demonstrate that the Company’s devices are cost-effective, third-party payers may not reimburse the use of LivaNova’s products or provide sufficient reimbursement for LivaNova’s products, which could reduce sales of the Company’s products to healthcare providers that depend upon reimbursement for payment for their services. Similarly, periodic changes to reimbursement methodologies could have an adverse impact on LivaNova’s business. Adoption of some or all of such healthcare policy and reimbursement proposals could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Current wording

Additionally, LivaNova’s ability to profitably commercialize the Company’s products is dependent, in large part, on whether third-party payers, including private healthcare insurers, managed-care plans, governmental programs, and others, agree to cover the costs and services associated with LivaNova’s products and related medical procedures in the U.S. and internationally. Third-party payers, including private and government insurers, are increasingly requiring evidence that medical devices are clinically-effective and cost-effective. If LivaNova is unable to demonstrate that the Company’s devices are effective, third-party payers may not reimburse the use of LivaNova’s products or provide sufficient reimbursement for LivaNova’s products, which could reduce sales of the Company’s products to healthcare providers that depend upon reimbursement for payment for their services. Similarly, periodic changes to reimbursement methodologies could have an adverse impact on LivaNova’s business. Adoption of some or all of such healthcare policy and reimbursement proposals could have a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s devices and therapies are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies worldwide that are responsible for regulating healthcare goods and services, including laws and regulations related to kickbacks, false claims, self-referrals and healthcare fraud. Because LivaNova’s marketing practices involve direct promotion to patients in certain jurisdictions, the Company is subject to additional laws and regulations intended to prevent misleading of patients and consumers through unethical promotional activities and related data collection practices. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject the Company or its officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties.

Current wording

LivaNova’s devices and therapies are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies worldwide that are responsible for regulating healthcare goods and services, including laws and regulations related to kickbacks, false claims, self-referrals, and healthcare fraud. Because LivaNova’s marketing practices involve direct promotion to patients in certain jurisdictions, the Company is subject to additional laws and regulations intended to prevent misleading patients and consumers through unethical promotional activities and related data collection practices. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject the Company or its officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties.

Previous wording

The risk of being found in violation of these laws is increased by the fact that many of them have not been fully interpreted by regulatory authorities or the courts and their provisions are open to a variety of interpretations. Because of the breadth of these laws and the narrowness of the statutory exceptions and safe harbors available under such laws, it is possible that some of LivaNova’s business activities, including the Company’s relationships with surgeons and other healthcare providers, some of whom recommend, purchase and/or prescribe LivaNova’s devices, group purchasing organizations and LivaNova’s independent sales agents and distributors, could be subject to challenge under one or more of such laws. Even an unsubstantiated allegation of impropriety could adversely impact LivaNova’s reputation and/or business operations.

Current wording

The risk of being found in violation of these laws is increased by the fact that many of them have not been fully interpreted by regulatory authorities or the courts and their provisions are open to a variety of interpretations. Because of the breadth of these laws and the narrowness of the statutory exceptions and safe harbors available under such laws, it is possible that some of LivaNova’s business activities, including the Company’s relationships with healthcare providers, some of whom recommend, purchase, and/or prescribe LivaNova’s devices, group purchasing organizations, and LivaNova’s independent sales agents and distributors, could be subject to challenge under one or more of such laws. Even an unsubstantiated allegation of impropriety could adversely impact LivaNova’s reputation and/or business operations.

Previous wording

Furthermore, LivaNova’s devices, products and therapies are purchased principally by hospitals or physicians that typically bill various third-party payers, such as governmental healthcare programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid and comparable non-US programs), private insurance plans and managed care plans for the healthcare services provided to their patients. The ability of LivaNova’s customers to obtain appropriate reimbursement for products and services from third-party payers is critical because it affects which products customers purchase and the prices they are willing to pay. LivaNova’s devices, products and therapies are subject to regulation regarding quality and cost by HHS, including CMS, as well as comparable state and non-US agencies responsible for reimbursement and regulation of healthcare goods and services, including laws and regulations related to kickbacks, false claims, self-referrals and healthcare fraud. In addition, as a manufacturer of US FDA-approved devices reimbursable by federal healthcare programs, LivaNova is subject to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires the Company to annually report certain payments and other transfers of value LivaNova makes to US-licensed physicians, US teaching hospitals or other covered recipients. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject the Company or its officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties.

Current wording

Furthermore, LivaNova’s devices, products, and therapies are purchased principally by hospitals or physicians that typically bill various third-party payers, such as governmental healthcare programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, and comparable non-U.S. programs), private insurance plans, and managed-care plans for the healthcare services provided to their patients. The ability of LivaNova’s customers to obtain appropriate reimbursement for products and services from third-party payers is critical because it affects which products customers purchase and the prices they are willing to pay. LivaNova’s devices, products, and therapies are subject to regulation regarding quality and cost by HHS, including CMS, as well as comparable state and non-U.S. agencies responsible for reimbursement and regulation of healthcare goods and services, including laws and regulations related to kickbacks, false claims, self-referrals, and healthcare fraud. In addition, as a manufacturer of U.S. FDA-approved devices reimbursable by federal healthcare programs, LivaNova is subject to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act and similar U.S. state laws, which require the Company to annually report certain payments and other transfers of value LivaNova makes to U.S.-licensed physicians, U.S. teaching hospitals, or other covered recipients. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations, including similar laws and regulations outside of the U.S., could subject the Company or its officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties, potentially resulting in a material adverse effect on LivaNova’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

Previous wording

LivaNova’s operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws that apply in countries where the Company does business. These laws generally prohibit LivaNova and its employees and intermediaries from bribing, being bribed or making other prohibited payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain some other business advantage. Because of the predominance of government-administered healthcare systems in many parts of the world outside the US, many of LivaNova’s customer relationships are potentially subject to such laws.

Current wording

LivaNova’s operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA, and other anti-corruption laws that apply in countries where the Company does business. These laws generally prohibit LivaNova and its employees and intermediaries from bribing, being bribed, or making other prohibited payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain some other business advantage. Because of the predominance of government-administered healthcare systems in many parts of the world outside of the U.S., many of LivaNova’s customer relationships are potentially subject to such laws.