BD will acquire CareFusion for $12.2 billion to create a global leader in medication management and patient safety solutions. CareFusion will operate as part of BD's medical segment.

The deal is the latest in a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry. The combination of the 2 companies' complementary product portfolios will offer integrated medication management solutions and smart devices, from drug preparation in the pharmacy, to dispensing on the hospital floor, administration to the patient and subsequent monitoring, says the company.

"BD's acquisition of CareFusion allows us to align our highly complementary technologies and products to address unmet needs in the growing $20 billion global medication management industry," says Vincent A. Forlenza, BD's chairman, CEO and president.

Dan O'Connor