August 12, 2015

IBM acquires Merge Healthcare for $1 billion

Recently, IBM announced that it will acquire Merge Healthcare for $1 billion, in order to boost capability in its Watson program's data interpretation wing.

Health care technology or "med tech" is one of the most active areas of M&A for startups and tech leaders. Recently, IBM announced that it will acquire Merge Healthcare for $1 billion, in order to boost capability in its Watson program's data interpretation wing. Merge Healthcare has been described as a medical imaging company, which helps present visual information to healthcare providers. IBM's health care analytics division is currently powered by Watson, its famous supercomputer. 

Merge Healthcare's technology involves an imaging management system, which will likely be combined with the cloud-based health analytics computing program IBM has devised. At present, IBM technology is capable of analyzing large volumes of data and interprets complex questions stated in natural language. As that technology evolves, more breakthroughs may be in store for health care providers who depend on accurate, comprehensive assessments. 

"Merge is widely recognized for delivering market-leading imaging workflow and electronic data-capture solutions," Merge Healthcare CEO Justin Dearborn said, according to Tech Times. "Today's announcement is an exciting step forward for our employees and clients. Becoming a part of IBM will allow us to expand our global scale and deliver added value and insight to our clients through Watson's advanced analytic and cognitive computing capabilities."

Tech has disrupted countless paradigms in medicine, and mergers and acquisitions are a leading way that thought leaders can combine their power to achieve more innovation. 

If your company is seeking a satisfying tech merger or acquisition, working with an M&A advisor can help you pursue, negotiate and sign a deal that meets your growth objectives. Contact us today to learn more about how an experienced advisor can help guide your company to its next deal.