CHICAGO—NovaMed (Nasdaq: NOVA) announced yesterday it acquired The Buying Group, a Minneapolis-based optical products purchasing organization, on Dec. 31 for approximately $7 million.

“With over $24 million in gross sales and approximately $2.4 million in net revenue, The Buying Group represented an attractive acquisition opportunity for us,” said Thomas. Hall, NovaMed’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Added Hall, “This acquisition solidifies NovaMed’s position as one of the leading optical products purchasing organizations in the nation. We look forward to the continuing growth of our optical products business.” NovaMed also has majority ownership interests in 34 surgery centers in 17 states, and owns and operates two wholesale optical labs.