16 December 2020, London: Kantar, the world’s leading data, insights and consulting group, today entered into an agreement for the sale of its global Health division to Cerner in an all-cash transaction for US$375 million. Cerner is a global healthcare technology company with a focus on using data for wide-reaching applications in life sciences, pharmaceuticals and healthcare at large.
Commenting on the announcement Ian Griffiths, Deputy CEO and CFO, commented: “The people, products and services of Kantar’s Health division are admired across the industry. With its leadership in ‘real world evidence’ and therapeutic expertise, especially in oncology and rare diseases, the growth opportunities of the division will be best realised as part of a healthcare specialist. As part of Cerner, the Health division will enable a step-change in Cerner’s data analytics strategy and capabilities, providing an increased impact on health outcomes for patients around the world. In addition to the advantages for Kantar Health, the transaction enables the Kantar Group to increase focus on its identified growth priorities.”
“At Kantar Health we’re proud of our heritage and reputation as consultants to the world’s leading life sciences manufacturers. We are excited about this next chapter, where our real-world evidence and commercial data assets will be powered by Cerner,” said Lynnette Cooke, CEO, Kantar Health. “There is a strong cultural fit between the two organizations, grounded by our shared vision to increase access and affordability for patients around the world. We expect the combination of our expertise and assets with Cerner’s technology and unique insights into patients will enable a step-change in the way healthcare is developed and delivered, resulting in improved patient outcomes.”
The proposed transaction is anticipated to complete during the first half of 2021 subject to completion of the relevant shareholder, legal and regulatory processes, and subject to the outcome of employee information and employee representatives’ consultation processes where necessary.