Ascribe swoop boosts EMIS

HEALTHCARE software provider EMIS, which bought Bolton-based Ascribe in a £57.5m cash and shares deal towards the end of last year, said improved profit performance is expected to continue into the second half of 2014.

For the six months to June 30, the Leeds-based group reported revenue of £66.4m, up 41% from £47.1m in the prior year period, while pre-tax profit came in at £12.6m.

EMIS said the group continues to trade in line with management expectations and with continuing strong revenue visibility.

Chief executive Chris Spencer said: “EMIS Group has made a strong start to the year: moving towards completion of the roll-out of EMIS Web for GPs in England, demonstrating the closer integration of the group’s cross-healthcare products and services, maintaining organic revenue growth and visibility, sustaining a high level of profitability and further improving an already strong balance sheet.

“The NHS’s increasing demand for integrated care gives us considerable confidence, supported further by our strong revenue visibility and robust contract pipeline.”

The company said it was encouraged by the performance of Ascribe and its other newly-acquired business, with further progress expected.

“The two acquisitions (Ascribe and Digital Healthcare) completed during the second half of 2013 also made positive contributions with further contract wins expected to boost performance in the remainder of the year.”