DRIVE CONTINUES ACQUISITIONS WITH SOUTH CAROLINA COMPANY ACTIVECARE

Drive Medical has acquired ActiveCare Medical Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of power wheelchairs and mobility scooters, according to an Oct. 28 announcement. Drive Medical also recently acquired Inovo/CHAD Therapeutics, a leading manufacturer of oxygen conserving devices, regulators and other respiratory products.

ActiveCare has principal operations in South Carolina, and its broad category of power products include the Medalist, a rear-wheel-drive power wheelchair; the Prowler, a large heavy-duty capacity power scooter; the Cobalt X23, a lightweight, easily transportable power chair; and the Spitfire 1420 EX, a portable scooter.

Steve Neese, president of ActiveCare, said becoming part of Drive was a logical growth step. “With Drive Medical’s significant distribution capabilities and resources, ActiveCare will be able to expand its business across North America,” he said. ActiveCare will operate as a division of Drive, and Neese will continue as president, according to a press release.

Harvey Diamond, chairman and CEO of Drive, said ActiveCare’s focus on product development and depth of manufacturing in power mobility provided a “perfect fit” for Drive.

On Oct. 11, Drive announced that it had acquired Inovo/CHAD Therapeutics of Naples, Fla., a sign that the Port Washington, N.Y., company was making a significant expansion into the respiratory market.