Cello Agrees Terms for Takeover

UK-based advisory group Cello Health has agreed to the terms of a takeover by Arsenal Capital Partners, a private equity firm which invests in healthcare and speciality industrials companies. The deal values the group at £178.8m.

Cello Health comprises a number of communications, science, strategy and insight brands. The group's business insights and analytics teams are made up of market researchers, data analysts and behavioural scientists who collate, mine and model data with insights generated through primary research with healthcare professionals, patients and payers. Its divisions are Cello Health Logic, a specialist healthcare social media insight and analytics business; Experience First, which works on research to guide the development of device-based, digital and service offerings; and dedicated quant practice IQ.

The recommended cash offer comes via Bidco, a new company wholly owned by biopharma services firm Pharma Value Demonstration, itself backed by Arsenal Capital Partners. Under the terms of the acquisition, Cello shareholders will be entitled to receive 161 pence in cash for each Cello share. This offer is for the entirety of Cello not already owned, or agreed to be acquired, by Bidco; and the directors of Cello intend to recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme.

The deal follows Pharma Value Demonstration's recent acquisition of health economic and outcomes research consultancy BresMed Health Solutions. Mark Scott (pictured), CEO of Cello, comments: 'This transaction will ensure the continued success of the business for its employees and clients. We firmly believe that, in partnership with Value Demonstration, Cello will build a market leading enterprise that improves the efficiency and efficacy of the healthcare industry and thereby, improves patient outcomes'.

Web sites: www.cellohealth.com and www.arsenalcapital.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.