Samsung Electronics, the world's top computer memory chip maker, said on Dec. 15 that it has signed a deal to buy a controlling stake in a top South Korean medical equipment maker.
Samsung said the deal was part of its long-term strategic expansion into the medical devices business.
It said it would acquire a 43.5% stake in Medison from private equity firm Consus Asset Management. Medison is the world's fifth-largest ultrasound equipment maker, holding an estimated 6.7% share of the global market.
Samsung said it would also buy a 100% stake in Prosonic, a South Korean manufacturer of probes and cables for ultrasound devices.
It said in a statement the ultrasound diagnostics device segment is a logical entry point into the health care equipment market due to technological similarities with its existing consumer electronics and IT products.
Samsung unveiled a plan earlier this year to invest 23 trillion won (US$20.1 billion) in new businesses, including renewable energy and health care.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010
