Clinical Trial Software Companies Are Hot
The digital health sector is benefitting big-time from the explosion in drug discovery transactions in 2017. Investors are now targeting eHealth companies specializing in clinical trial software. The statistics behind the surge in mergers and acquisitions in the drug discovery market are impressive. Through the first week in November, 43 deals targeting contract research organizations (CROs) have been announced, up nearly 70% from this time in 2016, and a 760% increase from this time in 2015. Biotechnology deals are speeding up as well, up nearly 30% from the past two years. Pharmaceutical companies are a main driver of demand in these sectors. Rather than fund in-house R&D, Big Pharma... Read More »
Deal of the Week: Concentra/Dignity Health
Even as it continues merger talks with the troubled hospital chain, Catholic Health Initiatives, Dignity Health sold its rehabilitation and occupational health division, U.S. HealthWorks for $753 million. The acquirer, Concentra Group Holdings, is jointly held by Select Medical Corporation (NYSE: SEM), Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe and minority equity shareholders including Cressey & Company. The combination will bolster both companies’ urgent care platforms as new payment models push for care delivery outside of hospital setting. Dignity Health will receive a 20% equity interest in the combined entity, valued at $238 million, and the remainder of the purchase price in... Read More »
Deal of the Week: Express Scripts Diversifies
Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX) didn’t hedge its bets that online retail giant Amazon will enter the prescription drug delivery market. On October 10, the leading pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) acquired South Carolina-based eviCore healthcare from its current investors, including General Atlantic, TA Associates, and Ridgemont Equity Partners, for $3.6 billion. The deal follows rumors that Amazon is contemplating entering the prescription drug delivery market in an attempt to improve price transparency for consumers and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Last April, Express Scripts lost Anthem, Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) as a client, and with it, 18% of annual revenue. The threat of... Read More »
CRO Deals Pile Up, and So Do the Multiples
After 34 announced transactions in 2017, the news that one contract research organization (CRO) bought another CRO is downright yawn-inducing. This space is undergoing rapid consolidation, no question. Before this week, those 34 deals had a combined total of approximately $20.9 billion. Add another deal, and another $950 million, and the market just got a tad smaller. Catalent, Inc. (NYSE: CTLT) announced the 35th deal in this sector on September 19. Its target, Indiana-based Cook Pharmica LLC, is a biologics-focused contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with capabilities across biologics development, clinical and commercial cell culture manufacturing,... Read More »
CROs Are Buying, Too
A few CROs, like PRA Health Sciences, are turning to eHealth acquisitions to strengthen their data technology capabilities. We already know that CROs are popular targets. But CROs can play the role of acquirer, too. Lately, a few of these companies have been busy claiming eHealth targets to advance their technological capabilities, namely data capabilities. On August 7, 2017, PRA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAH) acquired privately-held Symphony Health Solutions Corporation. The deal valued Symphony at $530 million, or 2.65x revenue. But, that value could be even larger depending on Symphony Health exceeding financial targets in 2017 and 2018 Symphony Health Solutions Corporation... Read More »Schedule a demo
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