Leeds-based healthcare software and systems firm EMIS Group has agreed to be bought by Optum Health Solutions (UK) Limited, a unit of UnitedHealth Group, in an all-cash deal that values EMIS at about £1.24 billion.

The companies said in a statement that Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, an affiliate of Optum, has agreed to buy EMIS for £19.25 in cash for each EMIS share.

The price represents a premium of 49% to the EMIS closing price of £12.92 on June 16, 2022.

EMIS CEO Andy Thorburn said: “We believe this combination will have the resources and expertise to enable us to better support the NHS and clinicians through technology innovations.

“EMIS’s long standing track record of delivering effective technology solutions and strong financial and operating performance combined with UnitedHealth Group’s resources and expertise will enable us to accelerate our development.

“We therefore consider that the combined group will be well positioned to serve its customers and partners in the UK’s healthcare system, whilst ensuring EMIS remains a strong organisation supporting the NHS, thereby fulfilling EMIS’s purpose of enabling better care through technology innovation.”

Optum UK CEO Rob Sergeant said: “Optum UK is focused on helping the NHS work better for clinicians and patients, and believes that this combination with EMIS will bring ever more advanced technology solutions and capabilities to the NHS and general practitioners to improve patient care.”