Aloka to buy Ecotron Holding

Ultrasound vendor Aloka of Tokyo last month agreed to purchase its European distributor, Ecotron Holding of Zug, Switzerland. The deal, valued at about $3.5 million and subject to Ecotron shareholder approval, will create a sales, marketing, and customer support operation called Aloka Holding (Europe). The firms hoped to complete the merger last month.

Aloka's purchase of Ecotron covers Ecotron's sales and service assets, including divisions in France, Italy, and Spain. All 70 Ecotron employees will be absorbed into the new firm, and its distributor network across Eastern Europe will be restructured. Roberto Bucciarelli, president and CEO of Ecotron, will become president of Aloka Holding (Europe). With the acquisition, Aloka will increase its access to the European market, according to Masayuki Kai, Aloka president. Aloka posts worldwide revenues of about $350 million.