Acoustic Imaging denies ThermoTrex rumors

ThermoTrex may be a firm on the acquisition warpath, but executivesat ultrasound vendor Acoustic Imaging say they are not on theSan Diego company's short list of potential targets. A rumor floatingthrough the ultrasound industry last week said ThermoTrex andPhoenix-based Acoustic Imaging were in discussions regarding abuyout.

According to the rumor, ThermoTrex was looking for an ultrasoundcompany with skill in breast imaging to round out its mammographyofferings, and Acoustic Imaging fit the bill. ThermoTrex movedin June to add Bennett X-Ray to its stable of medical imagingholdings, which include mammography vendor Lorad (SCAN 7/6/95).

Like many good rumors, however, this one doesn't seem to bebased in fact. Acoustic Imaging executives say ThermoTrex hasnever contacted Acoustic Imaging regarding an acquisition. It'snot the first time AI has been the target of spurious gossip:A rumor last year hinted that parent Dornier Medical Systems hadclosed AI down (SCAN 11/21/94).