SonoSite completes takeover of VisualSonics

SonoSite has finalised its acquisition of the micro-ultrasound technology specialist VisualSonics, making the company a wholly-owned SonoSite subsidiary.

The transaction was valued at a net $67.9 million (45.5 million pounds) in cash and debt and sees SonoSite gain control of a business which identifies itself as a “technology leader” in real-time ultra high-frequency micro-ultrasound for the pre-clinical market.

Its technology utilises five times the centre frequency range used in conventional ultrasound systems and allows for high-resolution imaging of superficial anatomy to be conducted.

Kevin Goodwin, SonoSite president and chief executive officer, expressed confidence that this technology has the potential to “revolutionise clinical medicine”.

He added: “This acquisition positions SonoSite for long-term growth in the pre-clinical and clinical point-of-care markets and enables the creation of potential breakthrough imaging products for both market spaces.”

Last month, SonoSite agreed a new distribution deal with United Medical Instruments, allowing the latter company to sell a variety of SonoSite ultrasound products in certain markets.