Beckman Coulter Expects to Raise $200 Million

Medical instruments maker Beckman Coulter Inc. said it expects to raise about $200 million in a public offering of debt securities that can be converted to common stock.

The Fullerton company intends to use the proceeds to refinance a portion of its existing borrowings. Beckman has bank debt of $893 million and expects to pay off $100 million of it by the end of the year.

Beckman shares fell $1 on Thursday to close at $39 on the New York Stock Exchange.