Antaeus Group Inc. said yesterday that two equity investors have acquired majority stakes in the start-up company and assumed controlling positions.

Ralph H. Gibson, 49, and Jay P. Cook, 46, acquired a large undisclosed stake in the Hunt Valley company, which is attempting to market a device to shred and sterilize medical waste, instead of using conventional incinerators.

Gibson of Baltimore and Cook of York, Pa., will serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, Antaeus said.

Gibson said he and his partner rarely invest in start-up ventures but saw a strong business opportunity in Antaeus and its waste-disposal technology.

William D. Norton, president and chief executive officer of Antaeus, said the 3-year-old venture believes Gibson and Cook will help it capture a share of the $3 billion medical waste-disposal business.

In January, Gibson and Cook sold Durrett-Sheppard Steel Co. of Baltimore, which they acquired in 1995.

Gibson is the husband of Mary E. Junck, president of Times Mirror Co.'s Eastern newspapers, which include The Sun.

Pub Date: 8/22/98