Johnson & Johnson is looking to acquire global medical device manufacturer Synthes in a deal that could be worth around $20 billion as reported in Pharma Times.

While Synthes indicated the company has been talking about a deal, no further comments have been made.

Synthes develops, manufactures and markets instruments, implants and biomaterials for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and its soft tissues, and currently employs nearly 11,500 people worldwide.

Last year, Synthes’ sales totaled $3.7 billion, making the company an attractive buy for J&J.

According to Vontobel analyst Carla Baenziger, a partnership between the two firms would double J&J's market share in spinal care to 30%, making it second only to MedTronic, and making it first in U.S. market for trauma with a share of around 57%, media reports note.