BUZZ-Owens & Minor rises on $1.36 bln deal to buy medical equipment firm Rotech

** Shares of medical supplies distributor Owens & Minor OMI.N rise 7% to $16.39

** Co agrees to buy medical equipment firm Rotech Healthcare for $1.36 billion in cash to expand its presence in home-based care

** In August, people familiar with the matter said Rotech was exploring a possible sale

** The deal will give OMI access to Rotech's portfolio of home medical equipment, including those used for the treatment of sleep apnea and diabetes

** This appears to be a strategic fit for the company, expanding its footprint and complementing the existing Patient Direct business - Brokerage J.P.Morgan

** Including session moves, stock down 15.4% YTD

(Reporting by Sneha S K)

((Sneha.SK@thomsonreuters.com;))