Sony has acquired Redmond, Wash.-based Micronics, a company that researches and develops point-of-care devices for disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring and blood testing. A Sony spokesman told Bloomberg News that the acquisition represents the Japanese giant's first buyout of a medical equipment manufacturer.

Sony makes displays, cameras and printers for medical institutions. Its spokesman, Chisato Kitsukawa, said the company is considering ways to expand in the healthcare field, where electronics technologies such as optical discs can be applied.

Micronics has been in business since 1996. According to a company statement, Micronics will continue to operate in Redmond under the current management team.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.