M&A

3 November, 2009

UPDATE 1-U.S. seeks more information on MDS-Danaher deal

* Extends waiting period for deal by 30 days

* Deal still seen closing in 2010 Q1 (In U.S. dollars)

TORONTO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. officials have asked for more information about the planned sale of MDS Inc's (MDS.TO) (MDZ.N) Analytical Technologies Division to Danaher Corp (DHR.N), the companies said on Tuesday.

MDS, a Canadian healthcare company, announced the $650 million deal in September. The second U.S. request for more information relates to a global market segment estimated to generate less than $50 million in combined revenue for all sellers combined, the companies said.

They said the request extends the waiting period for the deal under U.S. antitrust law by 30 days.

However, the companies still expect the sale to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2010.

MDS is also seeking buyers for its Pharma division so that it can concentrate on nuclear imaging. ($1=$1.08 Canadian) (Reporting by Scott Anderson; editing by John Wallace)

Source: http://www.reuters.com