Clearwater, Fla.
Officials at Lincare have confirmed the acquisition of several HMEs.
In January, Lincare acquired the medical division branches of Charlestown, N.H.-based Merriam-Graves, a New England regional provider. And on Dec. 27, the respiratory giant acquired Kansas City, Mo.-based Medical Resources of Kansas City and Plaza Respiratory & Oxygen Services. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. Lincare operates more than 700 locations in 47 states.
Although 2005 will likely be a banner acquisition year, today's buyers are exercising caution, said Jerry Baker of Jerry Baker & Associates, Overland Park, Kan., which was involved with Lincare's Kansas City acquisitions. “Today, most acquirers are more selective than in the past,” he said. “On the other hand, there are more companies out there making acquisitions as well as more intermediaries working in the industry.”
