Tyco Healthcare was founded in 1960. In 1995 Richard J. Meelia became President of the Tyco Healthcare division. Meelia continued in that position until the spin-off. In 2007, Tyco Healthcare changed its name to Covidien.
Between 1996 and 2002, prior to the spinoff from Tyco, more than 50 companies were acquired, significantly expanding the range of product offerings. Today, Covidien products are used in most every area of the hospital, and in many other healthcare settings.
In 2007, Tyco filed with the SEC for permission to spin off its healthcare division into a separate, independent and publicly traded company. The separation was effective June 29, 2007.