is to buy General Surgical Innovations Inc for $100 million.

The deal announced yesterday is just the latest of a whirlwind of acquisitions for Tyco which is the world's largest manufacturer, installer and provider of fire protection systems and electronic security services.

Tyco -- renowned for seeking out lucrative opportunities in rich but boring niche markets -- also has interests in electronic components, underwater telecommunication systems, flow-control valves and adhesives.

With a presence in more than 80 countries around the world Tyco has expected revenues in excess of $22 billion for this financial year and already has strong leadership positions in disposable medical products and plastics.

This latest foray would see Tyco snap up GSI, a medical manufacturer and distributor of an innovative patented balloon dissection device used in minimally invasive procedures like hernia repair and plastic surgery.

Under terms of the deal GSI shareholders will receive a fraction of a Tyco share valued at $7.50 per share for each share of GSI -- which closed at $6.50 on Monday.

Tyco chairman and CEO Dennis Kozlowski said GSI was a "natural fit'' which would expand the company's product line and enable Tyco to take advantage of "exceptional growth opportunities''.

"And it provides operating efficiencies that will result in an immediate positive impact on earnings,'' he said.

GSI president and CEO Gregory Casciaro said the deal made excellent strategic sense and would give shareholders value for their dollar.

The balloon invention would see surgeons offered an innovative portfolio of laparoscopic products for the expanding range of procedures emerging in general, urological, plastic, cardiovascular and orthopaedic surgery.

And he reassured his shareholders that the take-over was an "opportunity'' to share in the "exciting growth of Tyco''.

While the deal still has to get the nod from shareholders and regulatory bodies, the directors of both companies have already approved it.

The kick-back for GSI shareholders is expected to be tax-free.