TPG considers acquiring Optum UK from UnitedHealth, reports Sky News

• Optum UK supplies electronic patient record systems to most of Britain's GP practices and could be combined with TPG's existing U.S.-based EMR software provider Nextech
• UnitedHealth acquired the UK unit (EMIS) just two years ago for £1.24 billion in a deal that required an in-depth Phase 2 competition probe before clearance in 2023
• Bank of America is advising on the sale process, which has attracted interest from other buyout firms including Blackstone, though the deal has not been finalized and could still fall apart

TPG in Talks to Acquire UnitedHealth's Optum UK for Up to £1.4 Billion

U.S. private equity firm TPG is nearing a deal to acquire Optum UK from UnitedHealth Group, with a valuation between £1.2 billion and £1.4 billion ($1.62-1.73 billion), according to Sky News sources. An announcement could come within weeks, though the transaction is not yet finalized and remains subject to collapse.

Business Overview:

Optum UK supplies electronic patient record systems to the majority of general practitioners across Britain, making it a critical healthcare infrastructure provider. TPG reportedly plans to combine the UK business with Nextech, a U.S.-based electronic medical record software provider already in its portfolio, potentially creating a transatlantic healthcare technology platform.

Transaction Details:

Bank of America is advising on the sale process, which attracted interest from multiple buyout firms including Blackstone. The UK unit last changed hands approximately two years ago when UnitedHealth's Optum acquired EMIS, a major GP software supplier, for £1.24 billion in 2023 following an extensive Phase 2 UK competition regulator review.

Market Implications:

The deal reflects continued private equity interest in healthcare technology assets, particularly electronic health record systems with established market positions. The potential combination with Nextech suggests a strategy to build scale in healthcare IT across major markets. The quick turnaround—UnitedHealth selling just two years after acquisition—may indicate strategic portfolio optimization or regulatory considerations in the UK healthcare technology sector.

Neither TPG, UnitedHealth, nor Optum have commented on the reported transaction.