Bracco Group closes E-Z-EM acquisition

The Bracco Group has this week finalised its acquisition of gastrointestinal radiology contrast media and medical device firm E-Z-EM.

First announced in October 2007, the deal has been valued at over $241 million (121 million pounds).

With the acquisition closed, Bracco Diagnostics will take over the the healthcare decontamination, gastrointestinal device and contrast agent business of E-Z-EM.

The contrast data management and point of care testing system units will be integrated into Acist Medical Systems, another part of the Bracco group.

Bracco reports that this acquisition will help facilitate a broadening of its expertise in the group.

Roberto Rettani, chief executive officer of Bracco Imaging, said: “We believe that adding E-Z-EM’s portfolio, innovation and technical expertise creates distinctive and significant benefits for our customers.”

He added that the company is improving its ability to develop and provide a more integrated and comprehensive range of products and services in order to offer healthcare providers with a total patient management solution.

In July 2007, Bracco International signed a cross-license agreement with ImaRx Therapeutics regarding the use of its patented ultrasound and microbubbles technology in a number of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.