SEC Approves Tokos-Healthdyne Merger

The Tokos Medical Corp. plan to merge with rival Healthdyne Inc. of Marietta, Ga., cleared a hurdle with federal regulators.

The two companies, which provide home care to women with high-risk pregnancies, said Thursday that the Securities and Exchange Commission approved their proposal to merge into a new company. Shareholders of both companies will vote on the transaction March 6.

Nicholas A. Mione, Tokos’ chief financial officer, said the proposal calls for a total of 375 jobs to be cut at the two companies, including his own position. Since the new company, Matria Healthcare Inc., would be based in Marietta, he said, employment at Tokos’ corporate offices in Santa Ana would be “significantly affected.”

Each company employs about 1,000 workers, he said. About 300 work in Tokos’ corporate offices.