UDG Healthcare acquires two New-York-based healthcare agencies

Healthcare services provider UDG Healthcare has acquired two New-York based agencies earlier this week, offering a collective sum of up to $82.4m.

The Dublin-headquartered company operates across three divisions – Ashfield, Sharp and Aquilant – and currently employs 9,000 people with operations in 24 countries.

It has recently expanded its US footprint however, with its newly-acquired creative communications agency CreateNYC.

That business will soon operate as a division of Ashfield - UDG's healthcare communications arm.

Founded in 2009 by Natalie McDonald – who will remain with the company as its chief executive following its transition – CreateNYC employs 43 people and offers execution of sales and marketing materials for its pharmaceutical clients.

Meanwhile, UDG Healthcare’s additional acquisition SmartAnalyst provides strategic consulting services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

It was founded in 2001 and has grown to house 135 employees based in multiple countries, including London and New York.

The company also offers clients Health Economic and Outcomes Research (HEOR) services, a function that is in line with Ashfield’s strategy to expand its advisory service.

Commenting on the new purchases, Brendan McAtamney (pictured) chief executive of UDG Healthcare said: “These two acquisitions further expand the services we offer our healthcare clients.

“CreateNYC adds innovative, creative services within Ashfield Communications while SmartAnalyst expands Ashfield’s advisory pillar, adding new capabilities in strategic consulting and HEOR.

“Both transactions meet all of UDG’s acquisition criteria – they are a good strategic and cultural fit; meet our target financial hurdle rates and involves an expansion of our current capabilities.”

Following the news, the FTSE 250 company’s share price rose by 2%.