The competition and markets authority (CMA) has cleared a £1.2 billion deal between specialist healthcare tech and software companies providing services to the NHS. 

EMIS supplies data management systems to the NHS, such as the electronic patient record system used by most doctors across the service. Optum, which is part of UnitedHealth, supplies software used by doctors for prescribing medicines and data analytics and advisory services.

UnitedHealth’s purchase of EMIS was referred for investigation by an independent inquiry group in March 20203 after identifying competition concerns.

While the two companies do not supply competing services, the CMA said it was concerned that the deal would allow Optum to limit its competitors’ access to the data held within EMIS’ patient record system or to degrade the digital connections to this system, which rivals rely on to provide integrated software.

Following an investigation, the UK watchdog found that the deal does not raise any competition concerns.

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.”

She added: “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.”

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