3M Deutschland GmbH in Neuss announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SBG (Software und Beratung im Gesundheitswesen) GmbH, a Berlin-based developer of diagnosis related groups (DRG) software for hospitals, including related trademarks and patents. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This acquisition expands 3M's product portfolio in its Health Information Systems Division, and strengthens its position in the core segments of coding, grouping and quality assurance. The transaction is expected to close in June subject to customary closing conditions.

SBG develops innovative software solutions for the health care industry in the areas of medical documentation, coding and DRG determination, as well as management. The company's most well-known product is KODIP(R), a coding and grouper software solution for hospitals and funding agencies.

The software solution, which is already being used in more than 1,000 hospitals in Germany, is compatible with the programs of the hospital IT providers. The successful brand names of the SBG products will be retained under the parent 3M brand name, and the further development of these products will be continued. SBG will be fully integrated into 3M Deutschland GmbH this year, and the Berlin location will be retained.

"The product portfolio of SBG ideally complements our current spectrum of products," says Dr. Thilo Kopfer, head of the 3M Health Information Systems in Neuss. "We will be strengthening our core business in the DRG software area, and we will now be able to provide a complete package of products and services covering any aspects of coding, grouping and quality assurance."

3M Health Information Systems, part of the 3M Health Care family, is a leading provider of advanced software tools and services that help health care organizations capture, classify and manage accurate health care data. Built on a foundation of more than 20 years of clinical, financial and administrative expertise, 3M Health Information Systems products help ensure the quality of data, which drives an organization's ability to manage revenue, comply with regulations, improve quality of patient care and manage resources effectively. 3M Health Care, one of 3M's six major business segments, serves medical, dental, drug delivery and health information markets.

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