Telstra Buys Healthcare Analytics Firm Dr Foster

Australian telecoms company Telstra has acquired UK-based healthcare data analytics specialist Dr Foster. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the Sydney Morning Herald says 'market sources' value it at £20 - 25m.

Dr Foster works with healthcare providers and commissioners/payors, clinicians and healthcare managers in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia to achieve improvements in their performance through better use of data. The firm monitors and benchmarks performance - nationally and globally - against key indicators of quality and efficiency, drawing on multiple datasets including administrative data and hospital theatre data.

Telstra has acquired the business through its Telstra Health division, which previously secured the exclusive rights to provide Dr Foster products and services in Australia. Agreements are already in place with fifteen health services across Australia.

Telstra Health MD Shane Solomon says Dr Foster is a natural addition to his firm's health analytics stream. 'We have had a successful relationship as the exclusive reseller of Dr Foster in Australia and when the opportunity arose to purchase the company we saw it as a logical next step, acquiring not only a leading and innovative business but also the experience and skills that will help us compete on the global stage', Solomon adds.

Dr Foster co-founder and Director of Research and Public Affairs Roger Taylor, says Telstra brings the resources, scale and expertise to help maximise the opportunities that an information driven health system can provide for patients.

Web sites: www.telstra.com.au and www.drfoster.com .