UDG buys two US-based firms as it continues to expand commercialization services

By Melissa Fassbender

- Last updated on GMT

(Image: Getty/kapulya)
(Image: Getty/kapulya)

Related tags Commercialization Research Outsourcing Clinical operations Regulation

UDG Healthcare has acquired two healthcare-focused firms, expanding its global footprint and service offerings – including those in health economics and outcomes research – in a deal worth up to $82.4m.

UDG​ purchased two NY-based companies, SmartAnalyst, a strategic commercialization consulting and analytics business, and the communications agency Create NYC.

“Both transactions meet all of UDG’s acquisition criteria – good strategic and cultural fit, hit target financial hurdle rates and expand the group’s current capabilities,​” said Brendan McAtamney, UDG’s CEO.

McAtamney said the acquisition of SmartAnalyst is in line with Ashfield’s strategy of expanding its advisory services and follows the acquisition of STEM​ and Vynamic​.

Ashfield, UDG’s commercialization services division, provides advisory, communication, commercial, and clinical services.

The acquisition of SmartAnalyst also will provide Ashfield with access to commercial development decision makers, as well as infrastructure in India, McAtamney told Outsourcing-Pharma.com.

“Ashfield will provide leverage and opportunities to grow Smart Analyst’s customer base outside the US through Ashfield’s global business,”​ he added.

In addition to strategic consulting services, SmartAnalyst provides Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) services – an area in which there is growing demand.

McAtamney said, “HEOR is a high growth area, driven by market dynamics such as the increasing complexity of drugs, the changing landscape of market access, cost and regulatory pressures, and the increased scrutiny of real-world outcomes.”

SmartAnalyst is being acquired for a total consideration of up to $24m and will be integrated into the UDG’s Advisory pillar.

Creative communications

Create NYC is healthcare creative communications agency, offering sales and marketing services for international pharmaceutical clients.

“The acquisition of Create NYC is in line with Ashfield’s strategy to expand into the area of creative communications, complementing its existing capabilities in core scientific communication,” ​said McAtamney.

Create NYC – which will become part of Ashfield Communications – is being acquired for a total consideration of up to $58.4m.

Related topics Markets & Regulations

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