Access Point Medical Purchases Rights to Bruno Scooters, Power Chairs

ST. LOUIS–Access Point Medical has purchased Bruno Independent
Aids’ scooter and power wheelchair product lines.

The transaction includes Bruno’s Cub and SuperCub line of
scooters, Bruno power wheelchairs and the transfer of intellectual
property, regulatory approvals and engineering designs for the
products. The equipment will be manufactured at APM facilities in
China, and will be marketed with the APM brand.

“This purchase fulfills our commitment of offering
power-mobility equipment by the end of 2005,” said APM’s CEO Hans
Stover. “We’re putting our belief into action–that providers
shouldn’t have to compromise on product quality in order to lower
their acquisition costs.”

In June, Oconomowoc, Wis.-based Bruno announced it would no
longer make scooters and power chairs, citing low margins and
competition to its American-made products from equipment produced
overseas, and instead would focus on the vehicle lift and stair
lift markets.

APM, which is headed by three veteran home care executives
including Stover, Tom O’Donnell and Jerry Jones, a former Apria
Healthcare CEO, set up shop in June. The company offers ambulatory,
bath safety and mobility products and plans to introduce
respiratory equipment by the end of the year.