Company News

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS CHS Inc., Inver Grove Heights, and Farmers Elevator Co. of Lowder, Ill., have finalized the sale of Lowder's agronomy and grain operations to CHS. Effective Aug. 9, the new business will operate under the name CHS with Greg Dolbeare serving as general manager.

NEW PRODUCTS Cardiovascular Systems Inc., New Brighton, has launched its second-generation product, the Diamondback Predator 360° PAD System, for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). CSI received Food and Drug Administration clearance for the Diamondback Predator 360°, and the company has completed a limited market release with about 1,500 patients treated. The product is now available for broad commercialization. CSI has also initiated the Confirm Predator, a multicenter study that will follow 500 PAD patients treated with the Diamondback Predator 360°. The new registry will collect information on Diamondback Predator 360° performance, including: overall plaque reduction, key safety measures and techniques for optimal outcomes.

NEW BUSINESS Lawson Software, St. Paul, said that Fremont Area Medical Center signed a contract to implement Lawson Enterprise Exchange to help establish the health center's planned Health Information Exchange. Lawson Enterprise Exchange helps health care organizations create a single source of patient data and records across all care settings -- from primary care physicians and clinics to specialists to hospital care.

PERFORMANCE Multiband Corp., New Hope, said that it expects second-quarter 2010 earnings before interest and taxes, depreciation and amortization for the period ended June 30 will materially exceed previously announced guidance. The company raised second-quarter EBITDA guidance to a range of $14 million to $16 million from $12 million on revenues ranging from $250 million to $255 million from about $250 million. Multiband expects to report overall financial results for the fiscal quarter on or about Aug. 12.