LITTLE FALLS, N.J., June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CANTEL MEDICAL CORP. (NYSE: CMN), today announced that it entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire PuriCore International Ltd. for a purchase price of $26.9 million in cash consideration. PuriCore International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PuriCore plc (LSE: PURI), is a leading provider of automated endoscope reprocessors, endoscope drying and storage cabinets, chemistry and consumables in addition to comprehensive maintenance and validation services in the United Kingdom. With an employee base of approximately 120 individuals, including a complete sales and service team and facilities in Stafford and Clevedon, England, the addition of PuriCore International provides Cantel Medical comprehensive coverage of the UK market.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, PuriCore International had reported revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization per UK GAAP standards of approximately $25 million and $3 million, respectively, at current exchange rates. With the upcoming launch of its next-generation pass-through automated endoscope reprocessor in Cantel's fiscal first quarter, Cantel expects the business to show significant sales and profit growth over the next several years. Cantel anticipates the acquisition to be slightly accretive to US GAAP earnings per share in the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015 and accretive thereafter.

In purchasing PuriCore International, Cantel will significantly expand its reach and capabilities in international markets with a well-established operation in the United Kingdom and a platform for future expansion both in the UK as well as more broadly in continental Europe. When combined with the full breadth of the Medivators product range, the Medivators/PuriCore offering will be the most comprehensive infection prevention and control portfolio for the GI suite in Europe.

"The PuriCore endoscopy business has a highly accomplished team, a complimentary product portfolio and a well-established customer base in the UK market," said Jorgen Hansen, President of Medivators and COO of Cantel Medical. "This acquisition will bring to the Medivators portfolio a state of the art pass-through AER platform which we believe is critical to our continued success in the UK and Europe."

Andrew Krakauer, President and CEO of Cantel Medical said, "A key element of our growth strategy is to expand our scale and presence in international markets. The acquisition of the PuriCore endoscopy business is an important step in our effort to make Cantel Medical a truly global company."

The transaction will require approval by a simple majority of the voting shareholders of PuriCore plc as well as other customary closing conditions. As of the signing of the definitive agreement, shareholders representing more than 50 percent of the outstanding share capital of PuriCore plc have entered into agreements supporting the proposed transaction. The transaction is expected to close on or about June 30, 2014. Upon closing, PuriCore International will be integrated into our Medivators business and its results will be reported as part of our Endoscopy operating segment.

About Cantel Medical Corp.

Cantel Medical is a leading global company dedicated to delivering innovative infection prevention and control products and services for patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers which improve outcomes, enhance safety and help save lives. Our products include specialized medical device reprocessing systems for endoscopy and renal dialysis, advanced water purification equipment, sterilants, disinfectants and cleaners, sterility assurance monitoring products for hospitals and dental clinics, disposable infection control products primarily for dental and GI endoscopy markets, dialysate concentrates, hollow fiber membrane filtration and separation products, and specialty packaging for infectious and biological specimens. Additionally, we provide technical service for our products. For further information, visit the Cantel website at www.cantelmedical.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risks detailed in Cantel's filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions, and actual events or results may differ materially from those projected or anticipated.

SOURCE Cantel Medical Corp.