Healthcare Experience Firm Buys Forsta

Less than a year after its formation from software firms Confirmit and FocusVision, research tech pioneer Forsta has been acquired by healthcare experience specialist Press Ganey, for an undisclosed sum.

Forsta became the new name for the merged Confirmit and FocusVision in April last year, around 12 months after Confirmit's forced sale to Nordic private equity fund Verdane and consequent merger with Dapresy. Its new owner specialises in patient, member, employee and consumer experience across the healthcare ecosystem, with solutions addressing safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement, and works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities.

Press Ganey says the buy will progress its drive to integrate human-centric, cutting-edge technology into its thought leadership and management expertise in the sector. Clients will have access to Forsta's comprehensive suite of tools for CX, Employee Experience and research tools, and Press Ganey will also gain from Forsta's knowledge of other sectors including retail, financial services, travel and hospitality, technology, entertainment and consumer goods.

For Forsta, the deal means 'the resources to innovate at an accelerated pace', access to 'gold standard' healthcare sector CX and EX capabilities, and in-depth consulting and change management experience.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of this year, and remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

According to Forsta CEO Kyle Ferguson (pictured), 'Press Ganey was the first company to truly recognize and respond to the importance of Patient Experience, and the company continues to lead innovation in the field'. He adds: 'I'm excited to join forces with such a forward-thinking, highly respected company, and eager for the benefits this investment will bring to our customers'.

Press Ganey Chairman and CEO Patrick T. Ryan says the deal 'propels the company into a new future', while Chief Strategy Officer Darren Dworkin comments: 'This move is the culmination of Press Ganey's investments to not just be leaders in the healthcare industry, but to lead in experience technology, too. Forsta's HX platform will allow Press Ganey to make a quantum leap in our technology solutions for our clients'.

Web sites: www.pressganey.com and www.forsta.com .