Two of the biggest organizations in medical imaging, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), said Wednesday that they are "exploring increased collaborative efforts" -- talks that could result in a merger.
Leaders of both groups have apparently been talking for several months, but decided to acknowledge the discussions because rumors were spreading in the U.S. radiology community.
"Some questions had been asked of some of our leadership, and we decided that it was a good time to let people know that the discussions were going on," said Keri Sperry, director of communication and development for the ARRS.
The 30,000-member ACR is more than 75 years old, and is the most politically active radiology group in the nation. Among its products are practice standards and highly regarded teaching files.
The ARRS was founded in 1900 and has focused more on educational programs and publications, including the American Journal of Roentgenology, which has a circulation of more than 25,000. Both organizations have headquarters near each other in Virginia. ARRS is in Leesburg; ACR is in Reston.
Leaders from the two groups are planning to conclude their negotiations within the next couple of weeks and announce a decision within that time.
"They’re still working through the details," Sperry said. "Right now that’s all we know internally, that the negotiations are going on."
However, the resulting collaboration could expand to an ACR-ARRS merger. "It could run anywhere on that scale," Sperry said.
Whether economies of scale would result from a collaboration remains to be seen. But spokeswomen for both organizations said money wasn’t the motivation for the talks.
"Both organizations are financially sound; that’s not an issue at all," said Nancy Cook, senior director of marketing and public relations for the ACR. "I think it’s just a business thing that makes a lot of sense."
"We have a common vision, there’s a lot of opportunities for synergy between us, there’s a lot of overlap in membership," Cook continued. "So I think the decision to explore (collaboration) in a little more depth was a natural occurrence."
By Tracie L. ThompsonAuntMinnie.com staff writer
January 29, 2004
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JACR to become primary ACR publication, January 31, 2003
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