LONDON: Cello Health plc, the healthcare-led advisory group, has acquired the trade and assets of Innovative Science Solutions for $10.5 million, a release issued to London Stock Exchange noted.

ISS is a scientific consulting firm specialising in strategic counsel and regulatory support for the healthcare industry in the US.

Initial consideration of $6.4 million is payable in cash, and will be funded from the Company’s existing cash and debt facilities. Further cash consideration for surplus working capital will be paid to the vendors on a dollar for dollar basis.

In addition, deferred consideration of up to $4.1 million will be payable in four tranches, each dependent on financial performance over the periods from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2024. This deferred consideration will be paid in a minimum of 80% cash, with the balance to be satisfied through the issue of new ordinary shares in Cello.

For the year to 31 December 2018, ISS had unaudited revenue of $5.0 million, net revenue of $4.5 million, unadjusted profit before tax of $2.8 million and adjusted operating profit of $1.8 million.

It is anticipated that, post completion, ISS’s operating profits are likely to be lower than historical levels, reflecting the investment in senior headcount required as the business rapidly develops the scale of its professional base to support its growing client franchise.

The acquisition of ISS reflects Cello’s strategy of expanding further in the US and adds a key incremental component to Cello’s offering of technical services along critical drug development pathways.  It is anticipated that there will be strong mutual client opportunity over time.

Julia Ralston, CEO of Cello Health US, commented: “We are excited about the acquisition of ISS at this stage in our US evolution.  ISS has built a strong reputation for provision of its scientific consulting services. Adding this technical offer will benefit our clients, particularly by tackling their biggest challenges in navigating critical scientific, commercial, and regulatory pathways to successful commercialisation.”

Steven Weisman PhD, Co-Founder of Innovative Science Solutions, said: “Cello Health’s core capabilities and market reach greatly enhance the value we can offer our clients in addressing their scientific needs that span the health care product lifecycle. We are extremely excited to be joining Cello Health.”