Parata Systems acquires prescription pickup technology

Parata Systems has announced it acquired the assets of Amistar and Distributed Delivery Networks Corporation related to automated product machine (APM) technology, which enables prescription pickup via self-service kiosks.

The sale was completed for cash and other consideration.

Coming less than a year after Parata's acquisition of the Automated Prescription Systems (APS) business unit of McKesson Corporation, the deal is expected to fuel the company's rapid growth and bring new jobs to the region.

"We continue to be energized by the high growth we've sustained over our six-year history," CEO Jess Eberdt said. "Parata's strong vision for innovation and equally strong customer focus is carried out by an outstanding team, built primarily with talent from this region."

According to Eberdt, APMs offer consumers greater access and convenience in the pharmacy. Where state regulations allow, self-service kiosks enable customers to pick up their prescriptions quickly and easily, even when the pharmacy is closed, with the option of accessing an on-call pharmacist for consultation.

"APMs are an ideal way to extend consumers' access and improve service times for prescription pickup, two priorities among retail consumers today," Eberdt said.

"APMs in pharmacy offer the same benefits of interactive self-service that consumers have come to appreciate in other industries where safety and privacy are a priority, such as banking and airline travel."

"Parata's track record of launching new technologies, its market and service strength, and its strong alliance with McKesson Corporation make it a powerful catalyst for bringing innovations like our APM technology to pharmacy," Bill Holmes, CEO of Distributed Delivery Networks, said.

"After successfully developing and introducing the APM, we are pleased Parata Systems now will use its considerable resources to grow this business," Stuart Baker, president of Amistar Corporation, said. "Amistar is looking forward to devoting its resources to expand its core business of providing innovative automation solutions for companies in a wide variety of industries."

Parata's latest acquisition is expected to generate additional jobs in production, marketing, service and support, among other functional areas. Parata was named 2006 Growth Company of the Year by the Triangle's Center for Entrepreneurial Development.