Los Angeles Business Journal

LA HEALTHCARE

Recent and archived news stories on: Biotechnology, Doctors, Drugs, Health Insurance, HMO's/PPO's, Hospitals, Medical Devices, Nursing...

Bidding War Erupts for Obagi

Obagi Medical Products Inc. said its initial suitor had increased its bid to more than $418 million, exceeding a rival bid announced yesterday.

German Company Enters Bidding for Obagi

Merz Pharma Group on Tuesday announced a $383 million bid to acquire skincare maker Obagi Medical Products Inc. in Long Beach, topping a previous offer.

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Success in the Bag?

FOOD: Snak King restyles packaging of Whole Earth brand to accent flavor over health benefits.

Snak King hopes shoppers bite on the refocus of its Whole Earth line from healthy to tasty products.

Analyst Upgrades Boost Obagi Shares

Shares of Obagi Medical Products Inc. rose 7 percent on Friday after two analyst upgrades followed the company’s fourth-quarter earnings.

Energy Drinks in Power Play

Red Bull looks to shed tangy edge with new fruit-flavored line.

Red Bull wants to pump up sales of its energy drink with new fruit flavors.

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New Hospital Turns Animal Care Into Pet Project

HEALTH CARE: West L.A. facility of VCA Antech offers high-tech treatment.

Aside from the dogs on leashes and cats in carriers in the upscale reception area, it’s hard to tell at first glance that the newest hospital on Sepulveda Boulevard is for four-legged patients.

Gores Buys Health Care Services Firm

The Gores Group said that it has acquired GE Healthcare Strategic Sourcing from GE Healthcare.

Derycz Changes Name to Research Solutions

Derycz Scientific Inc. has changed its name to Research Solutions Inc.

Icahn Gains Two Seats on Herbalife’s Board

Herbalife Ltd. has agreed to increase its board by two seats, to 11 members, and will fill those positions with people chosen by activist investor Carl Icahn, whose investment company now controls more than 13 percent of the company.

Amgen Loses U.S. Supreme Court Case on Class Actions

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled against Amgen Inc. in a case that could make it easier for shareholders to bring class-action lawsuits against companies in the future.

FDA Halts Pediatric Trials of Amgen Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has directed Amgen Inc. to stop pediatric studies of one of its drugs after 14-year-old patient died.

Herbalife to Clarify Business Practices

Herbalife Ltd. said that it will clarify its business practices, responding to criticism from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.

Herbalife’s Quarter Beats Expectations

Herbalife Ltd late Tuesday reported a better-than-expected fourth-quarter, boosted by stronger sales in Asia Pacific and other younger markets for its weight-loss and nutritional supplement products.

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Farther, Wider

FOOD: Nutrition bar firm ThinkThin adds outlets while mulling new items.

Nutrition bar maker ThinkThin looks to expand by adding retail distributors and branching into new sectors.

Molina Prices Debt Offering

Molina Healthcare Inc. announced Tuesday that it has priced a $450 million debt offering