UK’s CMA clears UnitedHealth’s £1.2bn takeover of EMIS

EMIS supplies data management systems to the NHS, including the electronic patient record system used by most GPs in the UK. Optum, which is owned by US healthcare firm UnitedHealth, currently supplies software used by GPs when prescribing medicines, as well as data analytics and advisory services that the NHS uses.

The competition watchdog, which referred the deal for an in-depth investigation in March, had warned that a merger between the two could increase the cost of digital services for the NHS.

Kirstin Baker, chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the investigation, said: "The NHS increasingly relies on digital technology and data analytics to support the delivery of high-quality healthcare. So, it is important to ensure that, as the main customer of these services, the NHS continues to have access to the options and innovations that new and developing technology can bring.

"Following a thorough investigation, careful consideration of a broad range of evidence and consultation with a variety of stakeholders, we are satisfied that this deal will not reduce competition or mean that the NHS and its patients lose out."