Shield boosts acquisition activity in 2004
By HME News Staff
Updated Fri December 31, 2004
VALENCIA, Calif. - Shield Healthcare, the largest, disposable medical supply provider in California, finished up the year with the acquisition of We Care, Inc., making 2005 their biggest year for acquisitions to date.
The company ended the year with two additions to their roster - the first time two acquisitions have been completed in one year, said company spokesperson Lore Bertuch.
In March, the company acquired 5,000 new ostomy, urological, enteral and incontinence patients from competitor Sterling Medical Marketing, based in Hayward, Calif.
Shield picked up We Care, an incontinence provider and manufacturer based in Carpentaria, Calif., in November after the smaller company decided to exit the third party reimbursement business due to the complexities of MediCal and Medicare billing. Shield saw a promising partner in We Care based on its complementary product lines and location.
“The purchase further extends Shield Healthcare's market leadership position in the California home health supplies arena,' said Shield COO Jim Snell in a company statement.
We Care was integrated into Shield's operations on Dec. 1, but it will retain its name for the manufacturing of its incontinent cream and wash product line, according to Bertuch.
Shield is shooting for another busy year in 2005, said Bertuch. Several businesses are under review for acquisition; all of them located outside of California.
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