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.
