SonoSite Acquires Visualsonics
Luke Timmerman5/27/10
SonoSite (NASDAQ: SONO), the Bothell, WA-based maker of portable ultrasound machines, said today it has agreed to acquire Toronto-based Visualsonics for $71 million, net of cash and debt. Visualsonics is the leader in ultra high frequency micro-ultrasound that uses five times the frequency center range of conventional technologies, SonoSite says. This has enabled biologists to visualize superficial anatomy on small living animals with microscopic detail, discerning features as small as 40 microns, according to a SonoSite statement. The ultrasound market for preclinical research is estimated to be worth $350 million with projected double digit annual growth rates, SonoSite said.
Luke Timmerman is the National Biotech Editor of Xconomy, and the Editor of Xconomy Seattle. E-mail him at ltimmerman@xconomy.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ldtimmerman.
