Belfast health tech company Blue Zinc has been bought by London software and payments company ClearCourse for an undisclosed sum.
The new parent company said the deal offers “clear synergies” between with its existing clinical management software business and will also allow Blue Zine to grow with the investment and guidance from ClearCourse. Co-founders and current joint Managing Directors of Blue Zinc Kyle Lunn and Ronnie Johnston will continue with the company, overseeing Blue Zinc’s strategic direction.
Formed in Belfast in 2002, Blue Zinc develops and supplies software to manage patient referrals, clinical pathways, and clinics for both the physical and mental health segments of the healthcare sectors.
Following the acquisition, it said it will focus on expanding its client base across the world, as well as building new products and continuing to collect data. It will integrate with ClearCourse’s Business Service and expand its footprint in the healthcare sector.
“Over the last 20 years, we are proud of becoming a valued and well-established provider of innovation across health technology, especially at a time when the demand for healthcare services is increasing exponentially,” he said. “With ClearCourse’s support, we plan to scale and extend the services we provide to our existing clients, who play a vital role in the physical and mental wellbeing of patients worldwide, while bringing innovation to new areas of healthcare.
“This is an ambitious and thoroughly exciting prospect for our skilled team.”
Blue Zinc’s flagship product TMS is used by small-to-medium-sized clinics across the world for clinical management purposes which larger corporates such as Vita Health Group rely on its Pronto product. It also recently launch Click, the first clinical management solution designed for the talking therapies market.
It had also recently acquired an Australian business Collab IT, a product distributor, having been active in the region since 2006.
“Healthcare is one of the country’s most crucial sectors, and one in which we stand to see the most significant material benefits from tailored software and technology,” Gerry Gualtieri, CEO of ClearCourse, said. “Blue Zinc’s work across the MSK and mental health segments is a testament to this, with 1 in 4 individuals affected by 200 MSK different conditions which account for some 30% of GP consultations in England.
“We are delighted to welcome a company that exhibits such clear dedication and potential for growth, as we look forward to supporting another brilliant British business that underpins the provision of vital care.”