WebMD announces strategic relationship with Boots UK to launch new consumer health portal

NEW YORK WebMD Health on Monday announced a long-term strategic relationship with Boots UK Limited, a leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer in the United Kingdom, to jointly develop a consumer health and wellness information portal in England. The new joint offering will leverage WebMD's online consumer health assets and expertise with Boots' brand as a leading trusted healthcare source and provider of pharmacy.

"We are excited to be working with Boots UK as an important part of our strategy to expand WebMD's presence internationally," stated Wayne Gattinella, CEO and president, WebMD. "Boots is the recognized leader in pharmacy and healthcare in the [United Kingdom]. Together we will build a powerful new health information resource designed to help U.K. consumers lead healthier lives."

The new web site will leverage WebMD's technology and expertise in consumer health information services and will include original health news and features, wellness and condition centers and guides, interactive tools and applications, including WebMD's proprietary symptom checker, health trackers, calculators and health and wellness videos. Boots UK plans to market the new health portal through in-store promotion, links on their current e-commerce site, outreach to their loyal group of affinity customers and promotion in their health and beauty magazine.

The new service is planned to launch in the second half of 2009. WebMD and Boots UK will jointly share in the development costs and benefits of this new site. WebMD will directly manage the sales and revenue operation for the new site.