Healthcare group raises dividend while waiting for £1.2bn takeover to complete

Healthcare software group EMIS is in good health as it waits for final clearance of its £1.2bn takeover by American health firm UnitedHealth Group.

Leeds-based EMIS has seen adjusted operating profits increase by 7% in the six months to June.

Andy Thorburn, chief executive of EMIS Group, said: “The first half of the year has been positive and in line with our expectations. The business continues to perform well, building on its strong foundations, with solid organic growth, good visibility and increasing levels of recurring revenue.”

It has declared an interim dividend of 21.3p, which will be payable if the takeover isn’t completed before October 7. This payment would be on top of the 1925p-per-share purchase price.

Thorburn added: “EMIS continues to focus on developing its technology and cloud refresh strategy to support its customer base in both the NHS and enterprise segments, as well as continuing investment in EMIS Web.

“Our strategy to address the needs of the healthcare sector as it increases its reliance on data remains focussed and relevant and we therefore look forward with confidence.”