Huntleigh Technology, the UK manufacturer of medical equipment, announced today that it is to be acquired by Getinge of Sweden for £409m. 

The Swedish firm will pay 480 pence per share in cash, which represents a premium of 28 per cent on Huntleigh's share price at the close of business on Thursday. 

Huntleigh manufactures hospital beds and mattresses, diagnostics and monitoring equipment and products for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. It will be merged into Getinge's Extended Care Unit, which specialises in patient handling, hygiene systems and wound care.

Huntleigh reported a turnover of £200m for the 12 months to 31 December 2005, with pre-tax profits of £22.2m. Analysts said the deal was based on 20 times earnings forecasts for 2007, and represented “more than [a] fair price”.

Chairman of Huntleigh, Julian Schild, commented: "Getinge's offer represents fair value for Huntleigh's shareholders and reflects the substantial progress made since we floated on the USM in 1985. I believe the combination of Huntleigh and Getinge creates a leading European based Group to service the global healthcare market.”