Covidien plc · Dublin Ireland ·(NYSE: COV)

No longer one of the Tyco family, Covidien is striking out on its own in the medical supplies marketplace. Its former parent spun off the unit (previously known as Tyco Healthcare) in 2007 as part of the conglomerate's much-anticipated breakup. With about $10 billion in annual sales and a product offering that includes thousands of different brands (including Mallinckrodt and Kendall), Tyco's offspring is no mewling infant. The firm supplies health care providers around the world with everything from generic pharmaceuticals and disposable medical products to diagnostic imaging contrast agents and surgical devices. Covidien has operations in nearly 60 countries. To read the full description, subscribe now.

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