Watermeadow acquired by United Drug

Watermeadow has been purchased by United Drug, a leading provider of services to healthcare manufacturers and pharmaceutical retailers.

The deal sees United Drug acquire the entire issued share capital of Watermeadow Medical Limited and Watermeadow Medical Consulting for a total fee of up to 13 million pounds, of which six million pounds will be paid upfront.

All of Watermeadow's 74 employees will remain with the business following the takeover, which will see the company become part of United Drug's sales, marketing and medical division.

The firm's offerings include medical writing and the preparation of promotional and educational materials, typically for products pre-launch.

According to United Drug chief executive Liam FitzGerald, the takeover will allow it to expand its medical communications business and broaden the range of services it can provide.

Watermeadow managing director Paul Hilditch added: "We will continue to foster the can-do culture and commitment to quality that have always characterised Watermeadow."