Avista Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm has agreed to acquire Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging (BMS MI) for approximately $525 million of cash proceeds. BMS MI is a leading supplier of medical imaging products for nuclear and ultrasound cardiovascular diagnostic imaging procedures.

"As Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to focus on evolving into a next-generation BioPharma company, we determined the best way to maximize the value of Medical Imaging for shareholders was to sell this business and reinvest the proceeds into our pharmaceutical research, development and commercialization efforts," said James M. Cornelius, chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "At the same time, we believe that Medical Imaging can maximize its potential under new ownership, and Avista has a proven track record of success in the healthcare field."

David Burgstahler, a partner at Avista Capital Partners said, "Bristol- Myers Squibb Medical Imaging is widely recognized as a pioneer in cardiovascular imaging agents, and for its strong technical manufacturing expertise. BMS MI is a great fit for our healthcare portfolio, as it addresses the healthcare industry's increasing need for improved diagnostic tools. We believe it is well-positioned for continued success."
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of January 2008.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging will be Avista's sixth investment in the healthcare industry. On December 13, 2007, Avista agreed to acquire from Boston Scientific its Fluid Management and Venous Access businesses. Also in 2007, Avista made healthcare investments in BioReliance (http://www.bioreliance.com/) and VWR International (http://www.vwr.com/), and in 2006 Avista announced investments in Nycomed (http://www.nycomed.com/) and MedServe (http://www.medserveinc.com/). While at DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, the Avista partners were involved in numerous healthcare transactions including Accellent, Charles River Laboratories, Focus Diagnostics, KCI, NextPharma, Prometheus Labs, and Warner Chilcott.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb and Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a global biopharmaceutical and related health care products company. Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging is a worldwide leader in cardiovascular imaging. Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging is a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. For more information, visit http://www.bms.com/.

About Avista Capital Partners

Avista Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm with offices in New York, NY and Houston, TX. Founded in 2005, Avista's strategy is to make controlling or influential minority investments primarily in growth-oriented media, healthcare and energy companies. Through its team of seasoned investment professionals and industry experts, Avista seeks to partner with exceptional management teams to invest in and add value to well-positioned businesses. For more information, visit http://www.avistacap.com/.

For previous DOTmed News coverage of BMS, go to:
www.dotmed.com/news/story/5197

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