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MELVILLE, N.Y. (AP) -- Henry Schein Inc., a health care products and services provider, said Wednesday it raised its offer for New Zealand-based Software of Excellence International Ltd. to 82 million New Zealand dollars ($56.6 million) from 77.2 million New Zealand dollars. Melville, N.Y.-based Henry Schein said it increased its offer to 2.90 million New Zealand dollars ($2) per share. The new offer represents a 50 percent premium based on the 30-day volume weighted average price of Software of Excellence shares on April 27, the last trading day before the original offer of 77.2 million New Zealand dollars ($53.3 million), or 2.70 New Zealand dollars ($1.86) per share, was disclosed. Software of Excellence develops clinical and practice management software for private and public health dentists worldwide. On Aug. 22, it extended its offer until Sept. 29, "to provide adequate time for the remaining shareholders to submit acceptances," the company said in a press release. On Wednesday, Henry Schein said it expects the transaction to be neutral to 2007 earnings and slightly add to 2008 earnings. Software of Excellence Chief Executive Brian Weatherly, the company's largest shareholder, already accepted the offer, according to Henry Schein. Henry Schein said the offer still remains open until Sept. 29, and has been unanimously recommended by Software of Excellence's independent directors. Shares of Henry Schein rose 79 cents to close at $58.16.
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