Sacramento Firm OKs Takeover by Premier

Premier Laser Systems Inc., stymied earlier in its efforts to acquire Ophthalmic Imaging Systems Inc., said Friday its latest buyout bid for the Sacramento company has been accepted. Under the agreement, Irvine-based Premier will acquire the 49% of Ophthalmic that Premier doesn’t already own in a stock transaction worth about $3.6 million, based on the Friday closing price of Premier’s stock. The shares closed at $2.19, off 2 cents. Premier, which makes medical laser products, agreed to give Ophthalmic shareholders 0.8 of a share of Premier common stock for each share of Ophthalmic. In June, Ophthalmic rejected a buyout bid from Premier, saying it was inadequate. The Sacramento company, which trades on the over-the-counter Bulletin Board, develops, makes and markets digital imaging and imaging enhancement systems and analysis software.