Corgenix Medical Corporation, a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by ORGENTEC Diagnostika, a leading specialty diagnostics company headquartered in Mainz, Germany. The strategic acquisition will extend both companies’ global distribution network and broaden their portfolio of specialty diagnostic assays.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved unanimously by Corgenix’s Board of Directors, Corgenix shareholders will receive $0.27 in cash for each share of common stock they own, in a transaction valued at approximately $16 million. The per-share price represents a 29% premium to the Corgenix average share price of $0.21 over the 90-day period prior to the Company’s announcement on March 12, 2014, that it was exploring strategic alternatives.

Together, Orgentec and Corgenix will offer more than 350 tests, primarily enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), that diagnose a range of conditions, including autoimmune, vascular, infectious disease and organ function. As a combined company, they will serve thousands of hospitals and reference laboratories throughout Europe and the U.S., as well as the emerging markets of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

“The Corgenix brand is very respected in our industry space, and this transaction provides excellent value to Corgenix shareholders,” said Corgenix President and CEO Douglass Simpson. “After a robust auction process and a thorough review of all alternatives, including staying as an independent company, the Company’s Board of Directors strongly believes that acceptance of the Orgentec offer is the best choice to maximize our shareholders’ value.”

Werner Hofacher, CEO of Orgentec, added, “Our agreement with Corgenix is an important step toward achieving our strategy of building Orgentec into a global specialty diagnostics leader. It will give us an immediate direct presence in the United States, where Corgenix is highly regarded for its quality and innovation. Together, we will offer a unique portfolio of complementary tests and automated instruments that help health care providers diagnose rare conditions and diseases across key medical specialties.”

The agreement to acquire Corgenix is Orgentec’s first significant step toward expanding its position in the global specialty diagnostics market since partnering with Water Street Healthcare Partners, a strategic investor focused exclusively on the health care industry. Orgentec, which was founded in 1988, announced its partnership with Water Street in May 2014.

“Corgenix is a key component of Water Street’s strategic plan to build Orgentec into a global specialty diagnostics leader,” said Scott Garrett, a senior operating partner with Water Street and chairman of Orgentec. “We will continue to invest in targeted acquisitions, and research and development initiatives that will further expand Orgentec’s strong platform of highly specialized diagnostic solutions.”

The transaction is subject to approval by Corgenix shareholders and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2014.

Inverness Advisors, a division of KEMA Partners LLC, acted as financial advisor to Corgenix in connection with the transaction.