Net income at Merit Medical Systems Inc. dipped to $251,324 in the three months ending Sept. 30 due to the purchase of a majority interest in another company and the launching of operations in Ireland. Net income was $388,412 in the same quarter a year ago.
Fred P. Lampropoulos, chairman and chief executive officer, said net income in the quarter was impacted $250,000 by Merit's purchase of a majority of Sentir and the start-up costs associated with a research and development facility in Galway, Ireland.Lampropoulos said Merit, which manufactures disposable medical devices, is a growing company and he expects gross margins in international sales to improve as the company moves from a wholesale to a retail sales operation.
The company has moved into its new 175,000 square-foot corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant in South Jordan. He expects a one-time outlay of $400,000 for moving expenses in the fourth quarter of 1994.