Apollo to buy hospital chain in UK

MUMBAI: Apollo Hospital Group is close to acquiring a hospital chain in the UK. The group, which is in the final stage of negotiations, is expected to sign the deal by early next year.

A senior company executive told DNA Money, “The rising number of patients in waiting list for treatments and diagnostic services in UK hospitals compels the authorities to outsource a share of their works to other countries... We want to use this scenario to our advantage by having our own hospitals there.” Refusing to reveal financial details, he said, “The talks are in the final stage and will be finalised by early next year.”

An entry into the £6-billion UK healthcare sector is expected to provide Apollo a firm foothold in the global healthcare service market. The group was short-listed by Britain’s National Health Service last year to bid for providing diagnostic services in the UK.

Apollo is also in talks with hospital chains in African countries including Kenya and Nigeria for setting up diagnostic clinics and commenced operations in Mauritius a few months back. It is also in talks with healthcare providers in the US for a buyout. Last month, the group inked a joint venture agreement with Deutsche Krankenversicherung of Germany.