Nortek Security & Control Acquires Health and Wellness Technology Business from Numera
Nortek Security & Control LLC, a Nortek, Inc. company announced it acquired mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) and telehealth business assets from privately held Numera, Inc.
Headquartered in Seattle, Numera creates easily-implemented, mobile PERS products and cloud-based software platforms that enable providers and healthcare-related companies to create new safety and health monitoring services for their customers. These services extend beyond PERS to the healthy aging, chronic condition management and post-acute care markets. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Numera.
Numera Libris, a mobile PERS solution, integrates safety and health monitoring capabilities in one small, convenient-to-wear and easy-to-use mobile device. Libris features instant hands-free communication, automated fall detection, location services and two-way voice communication, and is designed to operate virtually anywhere.
"Acquiring this business is an important technology initiative for our Security & Control Solutions segment," said Nortek President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Clarke. "Combining Numera's mobile PERS technologies with Nortek's traditional PERS and on-premises security and home automation offerings will position us at the forefront of today's aging-in-place technology trends. It also provides us with a point of entry and the opportunity to lead in an evolving, fast-growing market, as well as the potential to realize top-line synergies by cross selling between Nortek's existing home security and PERS dealer networks and Numera's impressive client base."
"The markets for premises and personal security are converging, and our dealers are looking to suppliers to address this convergence," said Michael O'Neal, president of Nortek Security & Control. "Nortek is firmly established as a leading supplier of traditional PERS solutions within the home, and Numera's mobile platforms provide seniors and those with special needs with personal security whether at home or away. In addition, Numera's health status monitoring capabilities target the rapidly emerging telehealth market, making the transaction an even more exciting opportunity for us."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three seniors fall each year, costing the U.S. healthcare system more than $34 billion annually, with 43 percent of these falls occurring outside the home. With the population aging, both the number of falls and the costs to treat related injuries are likely to increase.
"With Nortek, Numera will continue to deliver on its vision of integrating personal safety and emergency response with proactive health services, allowing seniors and their caregivers to manage important life and safety events, regardless of their location," said Numera Chief Executive Officer Tim Smokoff. "This marriage blending Numera's health and wellness solution expertise with Nortek's market leading smart control offerings positions the company to take full advantage of this rapidly growing market opportunity."