Premier Choice Healthcare (PCH) has acquired Visibly Financial Services which trades as Visibly Health and, separately, a book of business controlled by self-employed consultant Gill Nicholson.
These latest deals follow the November 2022 acquisitions of Independent Healthcare and Paul Ganjou.
The deal follows similar dual acquisitions for GRP-owned PCH, with two in August and two in November last year, with managing director Stephen Hough telling Health & Protection that these latest acquisitions were “just the start” for 2023.
The two new acquisitions operate in the health insurance space, and PCH is buying the portfolios of customers for both.
Visibly Health, which is Cambridge-based, is led by Debbie Jones and focuses on private medical cover for SME businesses. Jones joins PCH post-completion of the deal as a brand ambassador to enable her to assist PCH with customer retention as well as sales growth.
Gill Nicholson is based in County Durham and has been a consultant for PCH for the previous 11 years. Following completion of the deal, Nicholson will step back from the day-to-day management of her portfolio but, as with Jones, will also become a PCH brand ambassador post-completion.
PCH managing director Stephen Hough (pictured) explained that a PCH consultant will manage the Visibly Health SME portfolio and an adviser within Equity Health Solutions, which is the specialist consumer PMI division of PCH, will look after the private clients.
“Visibly Health is a well-run, successful private healthcare intermediary with an experienced leader in Debbie Jones. I’m pleased that she will continue to support the portfolio in the future,” Hough said.
“This is an important acquisition for PCH, and we are keen to talk to other entrepreneurs in our sector looking to take some value from their life’s work.”
Gill Nicholson’s portfolio of PMI insurance and employee benefits is 93% SME business.
Hough said: “This deal fits with our broader strategy of buying businesses and portfolios from within our existing network.
“Moreover, it’s great that we are able to capitalise on Gill’s skills, experience and track record in building a successful portfolio in the PMI sector.”
Speaking to Health & Protection this morning, Hough added: “In 2022 we did six acquisitions and the two in February is a continuation and just the start for 2023.
“We continue to have discussions with like minded businesses but welcome a conversation with any entrepreneur that is looking to create value to their business and the option to stay involved is always there.”