NorthEdge supports healthcare comms group’s acquisition strategy to fuel growth
Manchester-based private equity firm, NorthEdge, has backed Alderley Park full service global healthcare communications group, Helios, in its latest acquisition.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, is for Cambridge-based Cogentia, a health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and market access company.
The acquisition will enable Helios, which has been backed by NorthEdge since 2021, to further expand its specialist services and increase its global talent base.
Cogentia undertakes research and data-led health analysis for a range of global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, supporting them in getting their products to market and ensuring patient uptake.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading market access consultancies, handling projects across numerous therapeutic areas in markets throughout the world.
For Helios, the new partnership with Cogentia will bolster the group’s service offering to the life sciences sector, furthering its mission of improving global health outcomes.
Helios CEO, Andrew Minnock, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Cogentia to the Helios group and this marks another significant step in the evolution of the company. Adding the hugely important area of HEOR and market access to our service offering aligns with our long standing strategic goals and will add another layer to our global capabilities for clients.”
James Morris, founder and director at Cogentia, said: “Like Helios, Cogentia has a proven track record in innovation and growth. Bringing together two market leaders with aligned people-focused cultures, outstanding reputations for quality, and a commitment to creating strong client partnerships, will strengthen our market positioning, enhance our solutions, and create development opportunities for our teams.
“We’re looking forward to building on our collective successes over the coming years.”
Since the NorthEdge investment in 2021, Helios has more than doubled its revenues, grown its headcount from 100 to 250, and expanded its global operations across Manchester, Oxford, and Connecticut in the USA.
Phil Frame, partner at NorthEdge, said: “We have seen the Helios team prove their continued commitment to excellence, working closely with their colleagues and clients to deliver projects of huge global significance that improve patient outcomes, all whilst implementing strategically important initiatives that support the long term ambitions of the business.
“The acquisition of Cogentia sees this ambitious mindset continue, allowing the group to offer even more comprehensive support to their clients.”
Andrew Minnock added: “NorthEdge’s ongoing support has been fundamental in helping us to achieve our ambitions for Helios. From the beginning of our partnership, the team have understood the power of our people and provided support to help us realise our vision – this new partnership with Cogentia is a perfect example of their continued commitment.”
The company was advised by Hill Dickinson (legal), Cortus (FDD), and Yellow Insights (CDD).
