HEALTH

Total Renal Buys Caremark Unit for $49 Million: The provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure said it acquired the nephrology services business of Caremark International Inc. for $49 million. The Torrance-based company said the purchase of Northbrook, Ill.-based Caremark’s kidney treatment facilities in Northern California and the Midwest will expand Total Renal Care Holdings Inc.’s business and allow economies of scale, a Total Renal spokeswoman said. The acquired operations had 1995 revenue of $46.8 million. The acquisition adds 32 dialysis facilities that serve more than 1,400 patients to Total Renal dialysis operations. Caremark said the sale will allow it to focus on its other businesses.