Perigon Medical Files for Bankruptcy

Perigon Medical Distribution Corp., which acquired nearly a dozen companies over the last four years in a bid to become a major medical supplier, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Foothill Ranch company, which distributes surgical supplies and equipment to doctors’ offices, long-term care providers and other health-care providers, is looking for a buyer.

Its troubles began a year ago when a major customer, Legend Heathcare, failed to pay a $4-million bill, according to Bankruptcy Court documents filed this week. Without the money, Perigon violated a loan agreement with Bank of America Corp., which recently cut off a $22-million revolving line of credit, said Paul Couchot, Perigon’s bankruptcy attorney.

Perigon, which has 206 employees, 25,000 customers nationwide and 12 distribution centers, plans to remain in business during the bankruptcy proceedings, Couchot said.

However, the company plans to close facilities in New York and New Jersey within 30 days, he said.