New MED Group Process Selects Sunrise as Partner
After reviewing proposals from many potential vendors, The MED Group chose Longmont, Colo-based Sunrise Medical as lead partner.

The agreement is the first result of a vendor selection process that The MED Group, Lubbock, Tex, began nearly a year ago to lower costs and increase benefits for members, as well as provide greater value to vendors.

“In order to bring our members the best value, we determined, with a Member Contract Advisory Team, that a new contracting process was needed,” says Scott Austin, senior vice president of vendor services with The MED Group. “Changing market conditions, reimbursement pressures, and the need for stronger strategic partnerships led us to create this new process.”

The organization chose Sunrise as lead partner because of the breadth of its product line, says The MED Group CEO David A. Miller.

One large company not chosen by the new process was Invacare Corp, Elyria, Ohio, which had worked with The MED Group previously. “In today’s environment, Invacare views the expense of an intermediary between [providers] and us as far less effective than when it is spent on marketing programs and rebated directly between you and Invacare,” it said in a letter to MED members.

Leading Lady Supports Nonprofit Cancer Organization
Those touched by cancer can find solace at the Gathering Place, and Leading Lady, Beachwood, Ohio, now hopes to be a part of what helps people find it.

Its postmastectomy bras will feature a sticker that lists the Web site and phone number of the Gathering Place, a nonprofit, community-based wellness center in Cleveland that helps those affected by cancer.

“Leading Lady feels a great responsibility toward women’s issues and is committed to making a difference,” says President Mark Corrado. “Helping to raise awareness and supporting organizations like the Gathering Place directly connects with our goals.”

Leading Lady will also help sponsor a breast cancer retreat.

Bloomberg TV Names Respironics “Wall Street Favorite”
In February, Bloomberg Television, a 24-hour business and financial news television network recognized Respironics Inc, Murrysville, Pa, for demonstrating market capitalization of $500 million or more and receiving “strong buy” ratings from top market analysts.

Respironics Inc and the four other chosen companies appeared on its show “Morning Call,” which dubbed the companies “Wall Street Favorites.”

Interviewed in the segment, Respironics’ COO and Executive Vice President Craig Reynolds spoke about the company’s growth drivers, stock position, performance-to-date, international markets, outlook for growth through the 2003 calendar year, and its new C-Flex technology. In addition, Reynolds pointed out that patient comfort and awareness programs distinguished Respironics from the competition.

Nautic Partners Purchases Gaymar Industries
Nautic Partners LLC, Providence, RI, completed a deal adding Gaymar Industries Inc, a worldwide manufacturer of medical devices headquartered in Orchard Park, NY, to its portfolio of health care investments. Terms of the sale between the private parties were not disclosed.

“Gaymar has a long history of growth and product innovation, is a market leader in its product categories, and has a demonstrated track record of successfully integrating acquisitions,” says Habib Gorgi, managing director at Nautic. “We have great confidence in the management team at Gaymar and are excited to be partnering with them.”

Nautic was one of several parties interested in acquiring Gaymar from the Cortec Group, a private New York City equity firm that invests in companies that have achieved leadership positions in their market niches.

“We are very pleased with the relationship that has already developed between the Nautic principals and our management team,” says Gaymar CEO A. Leigh Harrington. “We look forward to continued domestic and international sales growth this year and beyond.”