American Shared responds to FTC request

Mobile imaging provider American Shared Hospital Services of San Francisco reported June 1 that the Federal Trade Commission has requested additional information about the company's intended sale of its medical imaging assets to Alliance Imaging. American Shared declined to comment on the nature of the FTC's request, or to say whether it would delay the close of the transaction, anticipated for the third quarter of 1998.

Industry watchers question whether the request arises out of Alliance's aggressive acquisitions of other mobile imaging companies, which has made the Anaheim, CA-based imaging services provider by far the largest player in the mobile market. Alliance recently acquired Mobile Technology of Los Angeles for an estimated $100 million, and now runs 180 mobile MRI systems throughout the U.S.

Alliance announced March 12 its intent to purchase American Shared's mobile routes for $13.6 million, and agreed to assume the company's $26.1 million debt (SCAN 3/18/98). American Shared is one of the largest remaining independent mobile companies, with 30 MRI and 15 CT routes across the U.S.