Canon Europe acquires Delft Diagnostic Imaging

In a move that unites players in the digital x-ray segment, Canon Europe has acquired Netherlands-based Delft Diagnostic Imaging (Delft DI). In addition to bolstering its digital x-ray offerings, the deal also provides Canon with an entrée into the informatics segment.

Delft DI specializes in two product areas. The first is in imaging informatics, thanks to Delft DI subsidiary Rogan-Delft of Veenendaal, which develops PACS software. Rogan-Delft's technology will become a platform for the development of new healthcare IT products, including Cross-enterprise Document Sharing for Imaging (XDSI) technology for Canon Europe.

The second is digital x-ray imaging systems, systems integration, and radiology x-ray service. Delft DI has been a distribution partner for Canon digital radiography (DR) systems for more than 10 years in the Netherlands and Belgium. Delft DI will become a platform for developing future digital radiography services, the companies said.

Delft Imaging Systems, currently a subsidiary of Delft DI, is not part of the acquisition. Delft Imaging Systems will become a separate company and will no longer be part of Delft DI group.

Following the completion of the acquisition, Delft DI will become a subsidiary of Canon Europe. Yoshiyuki Masuko, senior director, Medical Imaging Group, will join the board of Delft DI.

Canon Europe President and CEO Ryoichi Bamba said the company has identified medical imaging as an important focus area for future growth and believes this investment and expansion of its medical business will bring new opportunities to build digital radiography and eye care sectors.

Theo Ahadome, market analyst with InMedica, estimated the value of the European PACS, RIS, and cardiovascular information systems (CVIS) market at $472.7 million U.S. (358 million euros) in 2011.

PACS firm Rogan Delft "has a steady position in this market and Canon can look to build on this," Ahadome said. "Rogan Delft has particularly increased its position as an enabler of enterprise solutions with its XDS offering, and it is this technology that may have attracted Canon."

Stephen Holloway, market analyst in Inmedica's Medical Imaging & Healthcare IT Group, added that the acquisition of Delft DI "signals clear intent of Canon's long-term commitment to the medical imaging market."

He noted that Canon recently expanded its DR presence in Europe with a new Canon-branded portfolio of general radiography x-ray and unveiling of a mobile C-arm x-ray prototype.

"The Delft DI acquisition will further strengthen this commitment and drive further development," Holloway added. "This partnership could provide Canon with a head start to addressing new markets in developing economies, a significant challenge for many of the larger x-ray suppliers."

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