EMSystems to merge with Texas company
Milwaukee-based EMSystems LLC will merge with Global Secure Corp., formerly known as virtual Alert, of Austin, Texas.
EMSystems is an industry leader in web-based interoperable communications and patient tracking solutions. The solutions created by the combined companies will be used by more than 4,000 health care providers in 40 states, covering more than 70 percent of the U.S. population.
The Global Secure Readiness and Response Suite is the leading multi-media alerting and documentation management solution for crisis preparedness and response.
“Global Secure Systems and EMSystems have strong solutions that have been used to manage hundreds of incidents of all sizes,” said Andy Nunemaker, chief executive officer of EMSystems. “Both companies share a commitment to providing reliable, robust solutions combined with excellent customer service. The combined company will be able to provide a unique integrated solution to an even wider audience.”
“The synergies between these two companies make this deal very appealing for our customers,” said Gary Fromm, CEO of Global Secure Systems. “The integration of the companies will allow for increased development of both current and new products. The resulting product suite will be superior to what either company could provide independently.”
“Customers are looking for integration of key preparedness and response activities including alerting and notification, collaboration, hospital evacuation, patient tracking, hospital resource management, inventory management, volunteer management, patient care reporting, and analysis,” said Robert Hedgcock, EMSystems chief technical officer. “We expect the addition of Global Secure System’s Health Alert Network and Volunteer Mobilizer functionality to EMSystems’ current product suite will fill a critical need for customers that are looking for a comprehensive, interoperable, regional emergency preparedness and communication solution.”
Marshall & Ilsley to acquire Florida wealth management firm
Marshall & Ilsley Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in Miami, Fla.-based and Taplin, Canida & Habacht Inc.
After the closing of the transaction, the principals of TCH will continue to own a portion of the business. TCH will continue to conduct its business as Taplin, Canida & Habacht and will maintain its headquarters in Florida. In addition, TCH will continue to serve its current clients, and Tere Alvarez Canida will continue in her current role as president.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
TCH is an institutional fixed income money manager with approximately $7.5 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2008. On a proforma basis, M&I will have approximately $32 billion in assets under management within M&I Wealth Management.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and the transaction is not expected to have a material impact on M&I’s financial results. Substantially all of the initial payment by M&I is comprised of M&I common stock.
“We are excited to announce this strategic acquisition to expand our investment capabilities,” said Kenneth Krei, senior vice president, Marshall & Ilsley, the Milwaukee-based parent company of M&I Bank. “Their products complement the array of top-performing investment strategies already offered within M&I Wealth Management. Our history of successful acquisitions, strong distribution capacity, and commitment to enhancing our businesses provides a solid platform for TCH.”
“M&I’s commitment to provide best-in-class investment management products and services means that TCH and our clients will benefit from greater financial resources,” Canida said. “We are convinced that our strategic combination with M&I will position us for success for many years to come.”
M&I is the largest Wisconsin- based bank, with 193 offices throughout the state. In addition, M&I has 52 locations throughout Arizona; 32 offices in Indianapolis and nearby communities; 31 offices along Florida’s west coast and in central Florida; 15 offices in Kansas City and nearby communities; 24 offices in metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul, and one in Duluth, Minn.; and one office in Las Vegas, Nev. M&I’s Southwest Bank subsidiary has 17 offices in the greater St. Louis area.
Aurora acquires large cardiology group practice
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care Group, the largest cardiology group in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the Midwest, announced that it has agreed to be acquired by Aurora Health Care.
“We believe strongly that the affiliation with Aurora is in the long-term best interests of our patients,” said Masood Akhtar, M.D., president of the cardiology group. “We look forward to leveraging the strengths of Aurora’s fully integrated system to ensure that all patients benefit from best practices in heart care and the latest treatment options.”
With the 39 cardiologists of Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care Group, known in the medical community as CCC, Aurora will be creating a cardiovascular care specialty group practice that will provide heart care services for patients throughout eastern Wisconsin.
“Our goal is to set the highest standards for heart care and to make that care easily accessible to all of our patients,” said Nick Turkal, M.D., Aurora’s president and chief executive officer. “The CCC physicians enjoy a stellar reputation for top-quality, leading-edge care. Many of these cardiologists have national or international reputations. Working together, we will raise the bar for heart care.”
CCC has 15 interventional cardiologists, eight electrophysiologists, nine invasive cardiologists and seven non-invasive cardiologists. The practice also includes one cardio-metabolic specialist and one research scientist. All will join Aurora Health Care, along with all 170 members of their staff.
The CCC cardiologists already provide heart care services at many Aurora hospitals and clinics. With the acquisition, they will expand their practices to additional locations and communities.
“To really impact the way heart care is delivered across the state and move toward the next level of care, we need a strong partner,” Akhtar said. “With Aurora, we will have the support we need to take the next steps with our practice and achieve more for patients.”
Patients requiring the most advanced treatment options through Aurora receive care in Milwaukee at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center or Aurora Sinai Medical Center.
“We believe this is the best and most cost-effective way to deliver care. The affiliation with CCC will help us achieve these goals for our patients,” Turkal said.
