Care UK profits up 25%

The pressures on local authority budgets will result in more business for private sector care services, Care UK says, as the health and care group reports a 25 per cent rise in full-year profits

• IMS Health in $5.2bn leveraged buy-out
• Strong demand helps Tristel clean up

Isis drug stake set for solid returns

ScriptSwitch, the drug comparison software company, has been acquired by US-based UnitedHealth, generating a four-fold return for the Coventry-based group’s private equity backers

ACS pushes for patient testing in pharmacies

Working with UK pharmacies is likely to form part of the future organic growth of Advanced Computer Software, which has plans to help consolidate the primary care market of the NHS

A sector locked in its cell

The venture capital model has hampered efforts to create a thriving stem cell sector in the UK and wasted the chance to steal a march on the US, says Jonathan Guthrie

Glaxo study backs simultaneous flu jabs

Simultaneous vaccination against seasonal and pandemic flu provides protection against the virus without provoking significant side effects, according to a clinical study released by GlaxoSmithKline

Sonova in $489m Advanced Bionics deal

The Swiss hearing aid manufacturer has made an agreed $489m cash offer for Advanced Bionics of the US, in a renewed push for global sales dominance

S&N quarterly profits rise to $173m

The medical device equipment supplier offered a cautious outlook even as pre-tax profits rose 45% in the three months to the end of September

Lex: TPG / IMS Health

TPG, which this year said it had snubbed 140 LBO opportunities, has jumped back on the wagon to lead the year’s largest