Decision Resources Buys UK's Abacus

US-based Decision Resources Group has made its first overseas purchase, acquiring UK health economics consultant Abacus International. Terms were not disclosed.

Burlington-based Decision Resources was itself acquired in May, by Indian drug company Piramal Healthcare Ltd, at a price of $635m. The firm, whose offer is focused on predictive analytics and consulting services for the global healthcare industry, projects revenues of US $160m for this year.

Abacus, which employs around 60 people and was founded in 1995, will remain in its UK headquarters in Bicester, but will become part of Decision Resources' Market Access business unit, which includes brands Fingertip Formulary, PharmaStrat and recently acquired Pinsonault.

Jim Lang, President of the Market Access unit, comments: 'Besides expanding our global market access services and products, the acquisition also allows us to now offer market access capabilities for the medical device and diagnostic industry as well as to significantly expand our commercial support capabilities, with industry-leading mobile communication tools.'

Abacus CEO Simon Howard says the deal will help his company grow into a fully integrated provider of global market access solutions.

Web site: www.decisionresources.com .