A Medical Device Daily

BD (Becton, Dickinson; Franklin Lanes, New Jersey) reported that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire HandyLab, (Ann Arbor, Michigan) a company that develops and manufactures molecular diagnostic assays and automation platforms.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the 1Q10. The financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

Consistent with BD's stated acquisition strategy, and building upon a previously announced development and distribution agreement between BD and HandyLab earlier in 2009, the acquisition would further extend BD's commitment to the novel HandyLab instrumentation technology to support BD's molecular diagnostics strategy.

BD plans to place its BD GeneOhm molecular assays for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) onto the HandyLab platform and market them as the new BD MAX system. The flexibility of this novel platform will allow further expansion of the BD molecular diagnostic menu.

The companies reported a collaboration in May (Medical Device Daily, May 19, 2009).

Continucare (Miami) reported that it has expanded its sleep diagnostic division with the acquisition of two additional centers. Seredor, Continucare's newly established subsidiary, has purchased the assets of Sleep Disorder Solutions (Miami) a full service operator of sleep diagnostic centers, with sleep diagnostic centers in South Miami and Pembroke Pines, Florida.

"The sleep diagnostic center business possesses attractive growth prospects for Continucare as sleep medicine is an important and growing discipline proliferating in a highly fragmented market," said Richard Pfenniger, Jr., Continucare's chairman/CEO. "As we work to establish a meaningful presence in the area, this acquisition provides us with an entry into the Florida market."

In other dealmaking activity, ResCare, (Louisville, Kentucky) a provider of residential, training, education, workforce and support services for people with special needs, reported that it has acquired the assets of All Quality Care, (Newton, New Jersey), homecare agency providing hourly nursing and aide services, case management, wound care, pediatric and IV therapy as well as other services to assist people in their homes.

All Quality Care serves nearly 220 people in 10 counties including Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren and Essex. Annual revenues are expected to be about $5 million and include a mix of private, insurance and Medicaid. All Quality Care will be a part of ResCare HomeCare.

"We welcome All Quality Care to the ResCare HomeCare family. They offer exceptional services in New Jersey, which expands our home care services into our 31st state," said Ralph Gronefeld, Jr., ResCare president/CEO. "Their services fit well into our current business plan and will help us reach our goal of establishing a national home care presence."