barco n.v. (BAR) Snapshot

Ventana Medical Systems Inc. (Ventana) announced that it has signed a worldwide agreement with Barco to provide Barco's leading diagnostic and clinical review display systems for use with the VENTANA Virtuoso image and workflow management system, offering a best-in-class, turnkey image viewing solution. By bundling the Barco display system with its Virtuoso image and workflow management software, Ventana now offers a fully-integrated imaging system that provides exquisite and consistent whole slide image viewing with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Barco's Coronis Fusion 4MP DL diagnostic color display and the MDRC-2124 wide-screen clinical monitor offer these capabilities and more for precise pathology image viewing. Barco's system solution supports effortless and precise panning and zooming on whole slide images. Moreover, the display system includes Barco's MediCal QAWeb, an automated, real-time calibration system that guarantees high image quality and consistency across the screen for the life of the display.

Barco announced the launch of 'CareConnex, powered by Hospedia', a fully integrated interactive patient care enterprise solution designed to support a better patient experience and improve hospital efficiency and profitability. CareConnex will be introduced at Hospital Build & Infrastructure in Dubai, 3-5 June. With CareConnex, Barco provides a unique end-to-end IT solution with its strategic partner, Hospedia. The solution helps hospitals deliver the best in patient care, ensure clinical efficiency, achieve Meaningful Use with respect to technology implementation, and create potential new revenue streams. CareConnex uses the most advanced point-of-care enterprise software – delivered on a range of high-quality, innovative Smart Terminals at the patient bedside – and includes all associated accessories, back office systems, integration and support expertise. In addition, Hospedia offers professional and managed services, such as content aggregation and yield management, to hospitals worldwide.

Barco NV reported earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the period, the company’s sales were €276.3 million, an increase of 15.1% compared to the first quarter of 2012. EBITDA was higher in absolute numbers but slightly lower than last year as a percentage of sales reflecting the integration of projection design® and higher research and development expenses. For the year 2013, the company continues to expect to generate profitable growth for 2013, albeit at a slower pace than 2012.