Imaging center chains merge

Imaging center chain National ImagingAffiliates (NIA) reported last month that it has merged with HeritageImaging (HIC). The combined chain carries the NIA name and hasa total of six imaging centers. NIA will maintain corporate headquartersin Nashville.

NIA was founded in 1992 by former ImageAmerica president FrankKyle (SCAN 7/15/92). HIC operated three imaging centers in thesoutheast. Both firms were based in Nashville.

The two firms had been competitors in seeking imaging centeracquisitions. The merger will allow them to leverage off eachother's strengths in pursuing acquisition opportunities in theindustry.

NIA's strategy will be to leverage its position with hospitalpartners in each of its markets to develop outpatient imagingcenter networks, according to Kyle. The company will also focuson acquiring dominant freestanding imaging centers in smallermarkets as well as imaging centers in larger markets that canbe joint-ventured with hospitals.