Torex, the UK provider of healthcare information systems, has announced that it has acquired the operating theatre management and anaesthesia systems business, from Civica.

The acquisition, for £1.4 million in cash, continues Torex’s expansion of its clinical systems portfolio, and is being funded by the balance of the proceeds of the Placing announced on 19 June 2003.

The announcement of the deal with Civica comes just two weeks after Torex announced that it plans to merge with iSOFT, to create a £700m new firm that will trade under the iSOFT name.

Previously part of Civica’s, Public Sector UK division, the division purchased by Torex provides specialist application software for theatre and anaesthesia departments, based on the Galaxy product which is installed in 24 NHS Trusts, covering 32 hospitals.

Chris Moore, Chairman of Torex, commented: “We are delighted to secure this niche clinical business which complements our existing solution portfolio…”

He added: “We have an excellent working relationship with Civica having worked together on a number of larger EPR bids. As part of Torex Health the business will remain ideally placed to play a key role in addressing the Government’s modernisation plans.”