Thursday, April 28, 2011

Toshiba Acquires Another Advanced Visualization Company

It's deja vu all over again. I reported back in 2008 that Toshiba had purchased Barco's Advanced Visualization Imaging System (AVIS), which used to be Voxar, Ltd. Today, we have this report:

Toshiba Medical Systems and Vital Images have signed a definitive agreement for Toshiba to purchase Vital Images’ stock for a total of $273 million, putting the cap on a decade-long partnership between the two companies.

Under the agreement, which is expected to close by the second or third quarter of 2011, a Toshiba subsidiary will acquire all outstanding shares of Vital Images’ stock at $18.75 per share. The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Tustin, Calif.-based Toshiba said.

Minneapolis-based Vital Images, which develops advanced visualization software and other health IT products, has relied heavily on a partnership with Toshiba over the last ten years.
"After a decade-long successful partnership spanning more than 50 countries, [Toshiba] is taking the partnership to the next level. We have enormous respect for Vital Images' products, pipeline and people, and look forward to working with their highly skilled team to enhance clinical value for patients throughout the world,” saidSatoshi Tsunakawa, CEO of Toshiba Medical Systems.

Michael Carrel, CEO of Vital Images, expressed enthusiasm over the deal, saying “This transaction means we can now accelerate our global presence with the strength and backing of [Toshiba].”

The $18.75 share price Toshiba agreed to pay for Vital Images represents a 39 percent premium over the volume-weighted average of the company’s 30-day stock, Toshiba reported.

The bid follows Toshiba's 2009 purchase of Barco's advanced visualization business, which resulted in the formation of Toshiba Medical Visualization Systems Europe.
I guess TeraRecon and Visage will be next, eh?

My dealings with Vital have not been spectacular over the years, as I reported a while back. Hopefully, Toshiba can make good use of its Advanced Acquisitions.

Hat tip to 23 Skidoo.

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