paidContent reports that Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:
YHOO) has acquired Israeli start-up FoxyTunes
Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. paidContent
notes that FoxyTunes has a browser plug-in for
Firefox and Internet Explorer that has features
such as online music and lyrics search, and also
lets users control their media player from within
the browser. The parent of the plug-in is based
in Israel.
Israeli firm AlphaBioTec bought for $95m.
Israeli dental implant firm AlphaBioTec Ltd has
signed an agreement to be bought by Swiss giant
Nobel Biocare. Nobel Biocare will buy all
outstanding shares in the company for a
consideration of US$95 million.
With this acquisition, Nobel Biocare says it will
reinforce its leading position by gaining
immediate access to some of the fastest-growing
market segments in implant dentistry, such as
orthodontic mini-screws and small diameter
implants. At the same time, the company will gain
a market leadership position in Israel and
further expand its position in Russia, Poland and
Latin America.
AlphaBioTec claims a 60% share of the dental
implant market in Israel. AlphaBioTec products
are also sold in more than 40 countries, and its
export business has been growing at more than 35%
over the past several years, reaching Eastern
Europe, Russia, India, Korea and Latin America.
Nobel Biocare will retain all of AlphaBioTec's
more than 120 employees. Ophir Fromovich, the
current owner and CEO, will become chairman of
the board of AlphaBioTec and act as an advisor to
Nobel Biocare. AlphaBioTec is expected to
continue to expand its production operations in
Israel.
Nobel CEO Domenico Scala said, ``This acquisition
expands Nobel Biocare's leading position by
allowing us to enter new and fast-growing market
segments. AlphaBioTec's leading position in
Israel, its attractive pipeline and strong
innovation skills with excellent people will
complement our innovation capabilities.''
The acquisition will be paid in cash and existing
Nobel Biocare shares. The transaction is expected
to close in the second quarter of 2008 and be
accretive from the first year.
Zurich-based Nobel Biocare has over 2,200
employees and recorded revenue of 601 million
euros in 2006. Nobel Biocare has direct sales
organizations in 35 countries.
Parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG has
shares listed on SWX Swiss Exchange and OMX
Stockholm, Sweden.