Nycomed rumored as acquisition target

Norwegian contrast developer Hafslund Nycomed is again being mentionedas a possible merger or acquisition target. Several drug industryanalysts believe that the Oslo firm will be one of the next companiesto take part in the pharmaceutical industry's ongoing consolidation,according to Reuters.

Rumors of an impending merger or acquisition of Nycomed havesurfaced before. The company was reported to be examining an alliancewith Sweden's Pharmacia last year, but in fact Nycomed was planninga merger with generic drug developer Ivax (SCAN 10/25/95 and 12/13/95).That deal later fell apart due to opposition from Nycomed shareholders.

Several large pharmaceutical companies are eying acquisitionsin the Nordic region, according to Reuters. German pharmaceuticalcompany GEHE AG reportedly is interested in acquiring Nycomed,the wire service reported. Nycomed officials declined to commenton the speculation.

In other Nycomed news, the company said that American HealthServices has canceled a contrast agent supply agreement for Nycomedproducts. American Health Services is now part of a larger purchasinggroup and has signed a supply agreement with another contrastprovider, Nycomed said.