Cardinal Health to purchase Viasys Healthcare

Cardinal Health has announced that it is to acquire medical technology firm Viasys Healthcare for the sum of $1.5 billion (0.76 billion pounds).

Viasys Healthcare is involved in the respiratory care sector, while also developing products for audio and vascular diagnostics, neurological uses and disposables used in surgical procedures, with the firm generating revenues of $610 million during 2006.

Cardinal Health claims this acquisition will provide a good strategic fit with its existing clinical and medical products business, while the transaction will not affect its fiscal outlook for the remainder of the year and 2008.

R Kerry Clark, chief executive officer of Cardinal Health, said: “Viasys is a perfect strategic fit with our mission to help providers make health care safer and offers immediate revenue and earnings opportunities in key geographies worldwide.”

He added that it is a prudent time to widen the company’s offering to its clients as a result of its robust medical and clinical products business and continued growth in these segments.

Earlier this month, Cardinal Health announced plans to consolidate its largest business operations with the building of a new 250,000 square foot site adjacent to its existing headquarters in central Ohio.