Merger & acquisition market healthy across healthcare in Q1

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Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the healthcare industry gained during the first quarter of 2012 over the prior and year-ago quarters, although the technology segment saw mixed results.

According to business-intel publisher Irving Levin Associates, the medical device industry saw 43 deals worth a total $3.2 billion, a 26 percent jump from the prior quarter (34 deals) but a 19 percent falloff from a year ago (53 deals).

Meanwhile e-health saw 27 deals worth $702 million to start the year, a bump of 13 percent from the prior quarter (24 deals) and a 125 percent leap from a year ago (12 deals).

While finishing second to medical devices in deal volume, biotechnology witnessed the biggest exchange of tech-segment dollars, with 29 deals worth $10.5 billion. Pharmaceuticals followed with 22 deals, good for $6 billion.

In the service segment, long-term care led the way with 39 deals worth $1.7 billion. Hospitals saw 23 deals, with $130 million changing hands. 

“Quarter over quarter, the volume of health care M&A deals keeps increasing as both strategic and financial buyers invest more of their capital in the various sectors of health care,” said Sanford Steever, editor of Levin’s Health Care M&A Report.

The Levin firm is based in Norwalk, Conn.
Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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