Bard Announces Agreement to Acquire SenoRx, Inc.

C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE: BCR) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire SenoRx, Inc. (Nasdaq: SENO), for a purchase price of $11.00 per share in cash, totaling approximately $200 million, net of cash acquired. The transaction, approved by the boards of directors of both companies, will be structured as a merger subject to the approval of SenoRx's shareholders and the satisfaction of customary conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance. SenoRx, located in Irvine, California, markets the EnCor(R) stereotactic-guided and MRI-guided breast biopsy systems, the Gel Mark(R) line of breast tissue markers and the Contura(R) balloon catheter for the treatment of breast cancer, and had 2009 revenues of $55.6 million. Upon completion of the merger, the SenoRx organization will become part of Bard's Peripheral Vascular division.

Medtronic Signs Agreement to Acquire ATS Medical

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), and ATS Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATSI), today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Medtronic will acquire ATS Medical by paying $4.00 per share in cash for each share of ATS Medical stock. The total value of the transaction is expected to be approximately $370 million, which includes the purchase of ATS Medical stock and assumption of net debt.

ATS Medical is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of products and services focused on cardiac surgery, including heart valves and cryoablation technology. The company’s innovative Open-Pivot® bileaflet mechanical and 3f® pericardial valve technology, along with its CryoMaze family of ablation products, will extend Medtronic’s current product offerings to cardiac surgeons.

Synergetics USA Enters into a Settlement and License Agreement with Alcon

Synergetics USA, Inc., (NASDAQ: SURG) announced today the signing of a pair of agreements with Alcon Laboratories, Inc. granting Alcon a license to sell certain products manufactured by Synergetics for worldwide distribution on a co-exclusive basis throughout the extensive Alcon network and covering the terms of supply of such products to Alcon by Synergetics. The agreements also settle all litigation between Synergetics and Alcon.

As provided by the Settlement & License Agreement and Supply Agreement, Alcon will pay Synergetics approximately $32 million for the right to sell certain Synergetics' patented products worldwide and to settle all pending litigation between the companies. These Agreements also provide for the resolution of any future disputes through a well-defined mediation process.

Digirad Receives FDA Clearance for Ergo Large Field-of-View, Solid-State, General Imaging Nuclear Medicine Camera

Unique Portable Imaging System Expands Clinical Utility and Performance

Digirad Corporation (NASDAQ:DRAD), a diversified health care company specializing in the early detection of disease to enhance quality of life, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enabling the Company to market and distribute its ergo™ large field-of-view, general-purpose portable imaging system.

Digirad's ergo marks the beginning of a new era of freedom for nuclear medicine. The advent of a large field, solid-state portable general-purpose camera that makes it possible to "image without boundaries" for such a diverse range of procedures is a significant breakthrough for the nuclear specialty.