MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS HomeServices of America Inc., Edina, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, has acquired Schiller Real Estate, Elmhurst, Ill. Schiller Real Estate will merge with Chicago-based Koenig & Strey Real Living, which HomeServices acquired in September 2009. The location will be referred to as the Koenig & Strey-Schiller Office.
Grubb & Ellis Healthcare REIT II Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., has acquired the Center for Neurosurgery and Spine, a two-building medical office portfolio in Sartell, Minn. Terms were not disclosed.
NEW PRODUCTS Medtronic Inc., Fridley, has launched a new Frontal Handpiece for its Hydrodebrider System, manufactured by the company's Florida-based Ear Nose and Throat division. The Hydrodebrider System is the first and only powered endoscopic irrigation system for removing bacteria from the paranasal sinuses. It is used for the treatment of chronic sinusitis, a disease that affects nearly 30 million U.S. adults.
Torax Medical Inc., a St. Paul-based medical device company focused on the minimally invasive treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), has received CE Mark for its LINX Anti-Reflux treatment. The company has started commercial launch of the LINX device at select centers in Europe.
NEW BUSINESS Capella University, Minneapolis, and YMCA of the USA have formed an alliance that gives YMCA employees, volunteers and their immediate families reduced tuition toward earning a degree online through Capella's accredited online university.
AbleNet Inc., St. Paul, has reached an agreement with Madentec Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, for the exclusive global rights to manufacture and sell its entire line of assistive technology products. Madentec will continue to own the products and provide engineering development support.
Famous Dave's of America Inc., Eden Prairie, has extended the lease of the Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Club in Uptown's Calhoun Square through January 2016. In conjunction with the lease extension, the Minneapolis restaurant and club plans renovations such as the addition of outdoor patio dining, more windows and new kitchen equipment. It will remain open during renovations.
Lakes Entertainment Inc., Plymouth, said that the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma has decided not to pursue the proposed Ioway Casino with a subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment. Lakes will still manage Cimarron Casino for the tribe.
