Acoustic Imaging is alive and well

Ultrasound vendor Acoustic Imagingis still open for business, contrary to a rumor that swept throughthe industry late last month hinting that the Phoenix-based companyhad closed its doors. The firm enjoyed a strong September andis looking forward to the Radiological Society of North Americameeting this month, according to president John Kingsley.

The last several years have been bumpy for AI. The companyhas frequently been the target of rumors that its parent, DornierMedical Systems, is close to selling off the firm. Dornier boughta controlling interest in AI in 1989 (SCAN 9/27/89).

Kingsley came on board in 1993 in a restructuring that sawthe firm trim its payroll and focus on cost-effective systemslike its Performa scanner, released last year (SCAN 2/24/93 and12/29/93). Those efforts have paid off, and this year AcousticImaging's sales are progressing well and the company is aheadof its business plan, Kingsley said.

"We had the best month (in September) since I've beenon board," Kingsley said. "I don't see (the rumor's)foundation in fact, unless we're making a few people nervous."