HEALTH CARE

Boston Scientific to Acquire EP Technologies: The Natick, Mass.-based company, which has been gobbling up smaller companies to meet hospitals’ desire for one-stop shopping for medical devices, said it is acquiring EP Technologies Inc. in a tax-free stock transaction valued at about $150 million. The deal marks the third time in as many months that Boston Scientific has acquired another maker of medical instruments or therapeutic equipment. EP Technologies, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., manufactures advanced catheters and systems for use in minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat abnormally rapid heart rates. Last month, Boston Scientific acquired Meadox Medicals Inc., a privately held manufacturer of products for vascular repair and replacement, in a tax-free stock transaction worth about $450 million.