AMSTERDAM – Royal Philips has announced the acquisition of the Healthcare Information Systems business of Carestream Health Inc., a move that will integrate Carestream’s cloud-based enterprise imaging informatics platform into Philips’ radiology informatics portfolio. Carestream Health Inc., renowned for its medical imaging and healthcare IT solutions, will enhance Philips’ capabilities in delivering cutting-edge medical imaging and healthcare IT solutions, aimed at improving patient care and provider productivity, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

The acquisition will bolster Philips’ radiology informatics offering, incorporating Carestream’s cloud-based enterprise imaging platform. This platform encompasses advanced solutions such as Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA), diagnostic and enterprise viewers, multimedia reporting, workflow orchestrator, and clinical, operational, and business analytics tools.

Philips’ existing enterprise imaging solutions, characterized by a blend of clinical expertise, informatics, and technological innovation, will see further enhancement with the addition of adaptive intelligence. This integration aims to empower clinicians with clinical insights and foster collaboration among clinical teams, ultimately enhancing patient care.

The strategic alignment between Philips and Carestream’s Healthcare Information Systems business extends beyond technology, with geographical synergy expected to strengthen Philips’ market presence in high-end radiology informatics in North America, complementing Carestream’s established foothold in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Upon completion of the transaction, approximately 900 employees from Carestream’s Healthcare Information Systems business will join Philips’ Healthcare Informatics business within the Diagnosis & Treatment segment. Notably, certain businesses of Carestream, including its medical imaging, dental and industrial films, non-destructive testing, and precision coating, are excluded from the sale.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, with the deal anticipated to close in the second half of 2019, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Robert Cascella, Chief Business Leader Precision Diagnosis at Royal Philips, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition in advancing Philips’ mission to deliver on the Quadruple Aim of healthcare. Cascella highlighted the combined strengths of Philips’ imaging system platforms, workflow optimization, and AI-enabled informatics, alongside Carestream’s enterprise imaging informatics platform, in delivering precision diagnosis solutions.

Ludovic d’Aprea, General Manager for Healthcare Information Solutions at Carestream, expressed confidence in the merger, foreseeing enhanced growth opportunities for the Healthcare Information Systems business under Philips’ stewardship. d’Aprea underscored both companies’ commitment to innovation, envisioning a broader portfolio of healthcare IT solutions to streamline medical image management and drive improved patient care.