Samsung has announced its intention to acquire Sonio, a French artificial intelligence company, as part of its strategy to enhance its medical diagnostic systems.
The use of AI technology has grown significantly across various industries, including healthcare, prompting substantial investments worldwide in AI integration. Samsung's recent move adds to this growing trend.
Samsung Medison Will Acquire French AI Company Sonio
The acquisition of Sonio by Samsung Medison, a medical equipment subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, aims to advance maternal care through AI-powered ultrasound systems.
The acquisition deal, valued at 126 billion won (approximately $92 million), involves Samsung acquiring all shares of Sonio pending regulatory approvals, including from France. Post-acquisition, Sonio will continue to operate independently from its base in France.
Samsung Medison's acquisition of Sonio aligns with its objective to enhance global women's and children's health through technological innovations.
Established in 2020, Sonio specializes in creating IT solutions and AI features for obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound procedures, aiding medical professionals in evaluation and documentation.
Sonio Detect
Sonio's flagship product, Sonio Detect, is an FDA 510(k) cleared AI assistant that utilizes deep learning networks to enhance real-time image quality and clinical accuracy during ultrasound examinations.
The acquisition will enable Sonio to maintain its independence while expanding its market presence and collaborating with various ultrasound device manufacturers.
Samsung Medison's CEO, Yong Kwan Kim, admired Sonio's contributions to maternal care and highlighted the potential of this partnership to drive advancements in prenatal ultrasound examinations.
The collaboration aims to introduce innovative AI-enhanced workflows that can transform patient outcomes and elevate the quality of prenatal care.
"Bring a Paradigm Shift"
Cécile Brosset, CEO of Sonio, emphasized the growth opportunities presented by this partnership with Samsung Medison, recognizing Samsung as a strategic partner committed to accelerating Sonio's development roadmap.
Sonio intends to continue advancing medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, focusing on underserved healthcare areas.
The completion of the acquisition is contingent upon regulatory approvals, including the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance's authorization. Once finalized, the acquisition will enable Samsung to integrate Sonio's AI capabilities into its ultrasound systems.
Yong Kwan Kim said in a press release that collaboration with Sonio will combine best-in-class ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities to create a paradigm shift in the prenatal ultrasound exam.
"We have found in Samsung Medison an amazing, trusting partner to pursue and accelerate our roadmap and mission. In addition to close collaboration with Samsung Medison, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including for underserved areas in healthcare," Brosset said in a statement.
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