CareFusion acquires Vital Signs from GE Healthcare

CareFusion has announced that it has agreed and completed the acquisition of the Vital Signs division, which makes single-patient-use consumables for respiratory care and anesthesiology, of GE Healthcare.

The deal is effective in the US, China and certain other territories and worth $500 million (300 million pounds). Around $470 million was funded through cash on hand at first closing, while the rest will be paid upon completion of the acquisition of the remaining international operations of Vital Signs, which are awaiting regulatory review.

Kieran Gallahue, chairman and chief executive officer of CareFusion, said: "The acquisition of Vital Signs doubles the size of our Specialty Disposables business and transforms it into an industry leader by adding global scale and a new call point in anesthesia."

He added that CareFusion can now serve customers in this large, global and growing market in a more effective manner with a broader product portfolio.