Optum Headquarters, Eden Prairie, MN. Credit: Chad Davis.

UnitedHealth Group’s Optum is set to acquire Change Healthcare for $25.75 per share in cash for the latter’s common stock.

According to media sources, Optum will acquire the healthcare technology company for $13bn.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

By merging with OptumInsight, Change Healthcare will deliver software and data analytics, technology-facilitated services, and research, advisory, and revenue cycle management offerings.

The combined capabilities of the companies will connect and streamline core clinical, administrative, and payment processes, creating better health outcomes and experiences for people.

UnitedHealth Group president and Optum CEO Andrew Witty said: “Together, we will help streamline and inform the vital clinical, administrative, and payment processes, on which healthcare providers and payers depend to serve patients.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Change Healthcare’s highly skilled team to create a better future for healthcare.”

Change Healthcare will offer crucial technologies, connections, and clinical decision administrative and financial support capabilities to deliver improved workflow and transactional connectivity across the healthcare system.

Optum will offer modern analytics, consolidated clinical expertise, advanced technologies, and broad experience in improving operational and clinical performance.

Change Healthcare president and CEO Neil Crescenzo said: “This opportunity is about advancing connectivity and accelerating innovations and efficiencies essential to a simpler, more intelligent, and adaptive health system.”

After closing the deal, which is expected to take place in the second half of this year, Crescenzo will lead the merged organisation, serving as OptumInsight CEO.

Furthermore, UnitedHealth Group noted that the combined company will help clinicians to make rapid and easy clinically advanced patient care decisions.

Financial dealings among care providers, payers, and consumers could be streamlined with Change Healthcare’s payment capacities, along with Optum’s automated payment network.