Fishawack buys Swiss Phocus
CHESHIRE-based medical communications firm Fishawack has made a third acquisition in 18 months with a swoop on a Swiss company and its US subsidiary.
The Knutsford-based group, which works for major drugs companies such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, has bought Swiss-based Phocus Services GmbH and its US subsidiary Phocus Inc.
The deal means Fishawack, which also has a site in Oxfordshire, is now represented on the preferred supplier lists of 12 of the top 20 pharma companies, and also sees the group add bases in Basle and New Jersey to its portfolio.
North West law firm Hill Dickinson advised Fishawack on the acquisition and the financing of the deal.
Oliver Dennis, Fishawack’s chief executive Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have Phocus join the group. Phocus is a global agency, serving clients throughout Europe and the USA.
“In addition, Switzerland is continuing to strengthen its position as a leading pharmaceutical hub in Europe, and Phocus is uniquely placed to support Swiss-based clients.”
Phocus will continue to trade as Phocus Communications.
Gail Flockhart, managing director of Fishawack Communications, commented: “Clients are expressing a strong interest in working with agencies that understand the different healthcare systems in Europe. Phocus will add to The Fishawack Group’s strength and depth in market access communications, a discipline that our clients increasingly expect.”
Fishawack underwent a £6m management buyout in January 2008, backed by YFM Private Equity and debt provided by the Co-operative Bank. In February 2010 it acquired Philadelphia-based Nexus Communications.
