Fresenius Takes Over Spectra Laboratories

Germany-based Fresenius Medical Care said its U.S. subsidiary has acquired Spectra Laboratories Inc., the biggest independent kidney dialysis lab in the United States. Fresenius didn’t disclose financial terms. Fremont-based Spectra’s 1996 sales were more than $45 million, Fresenius said. Fresenius Medical Care North America will combine Spectra with its Lifechem Inc. business. The new division will be called Spectra Renal Management and will have four labs in the United States serving about 90,000 patients. In March, Fresenius took over the dialysis business of Neomedica Inc. as part of its strategy of expanding in the U.S. through acquisitions. Fresenius Medical Care, 50.3% owned by Fresenius, was formed through the merger last year of the kidney dialysis business of Fresenius and W.R. Grace & Co.