OPEN Health acquires Choice Healthcare Solutions

CHS will be rebranded under OPEN's medical communications agency Succinct and overseen by that agency's chief executive officer Rob Barker.

He said: “Choice is a valuable and exciting addition to the Succinct family. Our international expansion brings great opportunity and will allow us to provide a comprehensive and industry-leading service to clients.”

Succinct was itself acquired by OPEN Health in 2012 and provides communications and publications services to a range of international pharmaceuticals companies, including Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis.

Sandy Royden, OPEN Health's chief operating officer and a founding partner, described the acquisition of CHS as “a pivotal step” in the group's plans to extend its reach across key global markets.

She added: “The range of specialist agencies across OPEN Health allows us to provide a full-service offering to our clients – from medical communications and market access to cutting-edge digital and public relations.”

Formed in 2000, CHS creates and delivers medical communications solutions for pharmaceutical firms across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US.

Commenting on the deal, CHS' chief executive Margaret Vernon said: “Combining our expertise and resources with the OPEN Health family opens up a wealth of opportunities, for both our personnel and clients.

“Together, we will be able to offer extensive and creative programmes capable of delivering brand excellence across all markets.”

She added: “This an exciting time for both companies and we look forward to a busy year ahead.”