DUBLIN
Ireland’s leading IVF clinic, SIMS IVF, and Australia’s largest IVF provider, Virtus Health (ASX:VRT), are pleased to announce they have entered a partnership that will enhance patient services and outcomes in both countries.
Virtus CEO Sue Channon said that “previous collaborations with like-minded fertility teams in Australia have brought enormous benefits to patients, clinicians and staff alike”.
The collaboration brings together two of the world’s leading IVF providers who will share their expertise in fertility medicine, science and research to help people achieve their dream of creating the family they desire. This partnership will allow us to provide the broadest range of medical expertise & scientific technology.
The partnership is Virtus’ first international acquisition and will provide a platform for future expansion and growth. SIMS IVF Chairman and co-founder Dr Anthony Walsh said he was delighted the clinic was joining with Virtus.
SIMS IVF has been valued at €22 million and the partnership will see Virtus Health acquire a 70% stake in SIMS IVF for €15.49 million.
“SIMS IVF and Virtus share a lot of common values. The foundations of both organisations are built on providing the best possible treatment and care for people trying to have a baby,” he said.
“Before agreeing to become a Virtus partner, we undertook our own due diligence and determined that this partnership provided the best possible outcome for our patients and the SIMS IVF team.”
Dr Anthony Walsh will continue as Managing Director of SIMS IVF and SIMS IVF co-founder, Medical Director Dr David Walsh, will remain in his role.
SIMS IVF is a pioneer in the delivery of IVF services in Ireland and will continue to operate as a standalone clinic following the acquisition. The team recently celebrated its 17th birthday and the 6000th baby born via fertility treatment through the clinic.
“We are excited to welcome the dedicated, leading fertility doctors and staff of SIMS IVF to the Virtus family,” Ms Channon said.
About SIMS IVF
SIMS IVF was founded in 1997 by Dr Anthony Walsh and was joined in the practice by Dr David Walsh the following year. It has grown to become Ireland’s leading provider of IVF services. The company is based in Dublin in a state-of-the-art facility and has 60 staff.
SIMS IVF performed over 1000 IVF cycles in 2013. It has an IVF clinical pregnancy rate of 39% on average across all age groups in 2013, higher than the average for Ireland of 32% and the European Union average of 33 % and UK average of 34%.
About Virtus
Virtus Health Limited (ASX:VRT) brings together Australia’s leading fertility specialists, scientists, researchers and support staff to provide the very best in fertility care and related services. Virtus provides patients with a model of healthcare that integrates high quality patient care with an extensive range of Assisted Reproductive Services, specialised diagnostics and day hospital services.
Virtus has developed one of the most successful medical collaborations in the world. With more than 80 of the world’s leading fertility specialists supported by over 800 professional staff. Virtus is the largest network and provider of fertility services in Australia.
Virtus is responsible for approximately 4,000 couples and single women each year in Australia achieving their dream of conceiving and having a baby.
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