Ashurst has advised Cegedim in connection with the binding offer made by IMS Health Inc. for the acquisition of the majority of its CRM and strategic data division business for an amount of €385 million. This includes the transfer of all of the CRM division and strategic data activity, with the exception of the departments providing sales data in the EU such as GERS France and Pharmastock.

This transaction, if accepted, should be completed at the beginning of 2015. It will allow Cegedim to refocus on software and databases for healthcare professionals and health insurance companies, as well as on its fast growing multi-industry activities such as e-commerce, e-collaboration and outsourced payroll and HR management.

Founded in 1969, Cegedim is a global technology and services company specializing in the healthcare field. With 8,000 people working in 80 countries and with €902m revenue in 2013, it is the world leader in life sciences CRM. Cegedim supplies services, technological tools, specialized software, data flow management services and databases. Its offerings are targeted notably at healthcare industries, life sciences companies, healthcare professionals and insurance companies.

The Ashurst Paris Corporate team was led by Yann Gozal, partner, Margaux Bognon-Küss, associate, Joseph Gadenne and partner Nadine Gelli advised on the tax aspects.