IMS Health agrees to acquisition by investment funds

NORWALK, Conn. Healthcare market intelligence firm IMS Health will be acquired by investment funds managed by private investment firm TPG Capital and the CPP Investment Board for $5.2 billion, IMS announced.

IMS’ board of directors agreed unanimously to the deal, whereby TPG will buy the firm for a total of $22 a share, including the assumption of debt.

“This transaction enables our shareholders to realize substantial value from their investment in IMS with an immediate cash premium, while at the same time strengthening our position to capture long-term growth opportunities,” IMS chairman and CEO David Carlucci said in a statement. “With the backing of world-class private equity partners, we will continue our focus on expanding into new markets, further improving the quality and depth of offerings we deliver to our clients and playing a bigger role in the healthcare market.”

IMS expects the deal to close by the end of first quarter 2010.