U S Diagnostic Labs Inc

Alliance Imaging Inc. said Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Medical Diagnostics Inc., a provider of diagnostic imaging services, for about $35.5 million in cash. The transaction, which is expected to close in May, will give Alliance more than 200 mobile imaging systems nationwide, according to the Anaheim company, which provides diagnostic imaging services to hospitals and other health care operators. Medical Diagnostics is a subsidiary of US Diagnostics Inc.

Alliance Imaging Inc., seen as a company likely to acquire others in the business of diagnostic imaging, said Friday that it's now considering being acquired. In an unexpected move, the operator of mobile MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) units said it's discussing a possible merger with U.S. Diagnostic Labs Inc., another operator of diagnostic services, through a stock swap tentatively valued at $65 million to $71 million.

U.S. Labs, which provides laboratory services to hospital pathologists, said it has raised $15 million to help it begin acquiring pathology practices outright. Michael R. Danzi, the company's chairman, said Friday that the company is diversifying into management of medical practices after pathologists asked if it could help them with general management. Some want billing services, he said, and others have asked if the company could find a doctor to step in during vacations.

Alliance Imaging Inc. said Tuesday it has agreed to acquire Medical Diagnostics Inc., a provider of diagnostic imaging services, for about $35.5 million in cash. The transaction, which is expected to close in May, will give Alliance more than 200 mobile imaging systems nationwide, according to the Anaheim company, which provides diagnostic imaging services to hospitals and other health care operators. Medical Diagnostics is a subsidiary of US Diagnostics Inc.

U.S. Labs, which provides laboratory services to hospital pathologists, said it has raised $15 million to help it begin acquiring pathology practices outright. Michael R. Danzi, the company's chairman, said Friday that the company is diversifying into management of medical practices after pathologists asked if it could help them with general management. Some want billing services, he said, and others have asked if the company could find a doctor to step in during vacations.

Alliance Imaging Inc., seen as a company likely to acquire others in the business of diagnostic imaging, said Friday that it's now considering being acquired. In an unexpected move, the operator of mobile MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) units said it's discussing a possible merger with U.S. Diagnostic Labs Inc., another operator of diagnostic services, through a stock swap tentatively valued at $65 million to $71 million.