PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Drive Medical this week unveiled a pair of acquisitions, Columbia Medical and Park House Healthcare.

The durable medical equipment manufacturer announced the Columbia Medical acquisition on Tuesday. Based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Columbia makes complex rehabilitation products for children with disabilities, including wheelchairs, aircraft transfer chairs, bath and shower products, gait trainers and car seats. The company is also known for its Spirit Adjustable Positioning Car Seat and the Omni and Elite pediatric tub transfer systems.

“The acquisition of Columbia will greatly expand Drive’s presence in the pediatric market through our Wenzelite division and further diversify our portfolio of pediatric products,” stated Harvey Diamond, chairman and chief executive officer of Drive Medical. “Plus, with our recent acquisition of Specialised Orthotic Services (SOS) in the U.K., we believe there will be significant cross-selling and marketing opportunities with Wenzelite, Columbia Medical and SOS in the U.S. and Europe.”

Plans call for Columbia Medical CEO Gary Werschmidt to continue in his current role, according to Drive Medical.

“A key component of this acquisition is that Columbia will provide us with an additional sales platform for Drive’s existing Wenzelite pediatric product line. Drive will also gain additional manufacturing capabilities and expertise in the pediatric space. This presents a significant growth of opportunity for Drive,” added Drive Medical president Richard Kolodny.

The acquisition of West Yorkshire, U.K.-based Park House Healthcare, announced Wednesday, brings to Drive Medical a worldwide manufacturer of pressure prevention products, hospital and long-term care beds, and moving and handling equipment. Park House, which becomes part of Drive Medical Ltd., also has an international distribution network reaching more than 25 countries.

“This is a strategic acquisition for Drive Medical and will greatly enhance our global stature in the rapidly growing markets of pressure prevention and long-term care,” Diamond commented. “Furthermore, with this acquisition, Drive gains a seasoned management team, led by Stephen Owens, who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization.”

Kolodny noted that Park House’s pressure prevention mattresses will complement Drive’s long-term care bed product portfolio. “Park House will also expand Drive’s footprint into the National Health Service and long-term care markets in the U.K.,” he stated.