Doctors.net.uk buys stake in MedUniverse

Doctors.net.uk the UK’s largest online network of medical professionals, has bought a stake in the Swedish online doctor network, MedUniverse.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of the deal, Dr Tim Ringrose, medical director of Doctors.net.uk, will take a place on the MedUniverse board.

Richard Adams, CEO of Doctors.net.uk, said: “This investment in MedUniverse gives us an important foothold in the Nordic market and it is an important step in our strategy to expand internationally. The experience built in the UK over the last 12 years also means that we can contribute greatly to the development of MedUniverse.

Established in 1998, Doctors.net.uk has a membership comprising more than 174,000 licensed UK doctors in primary and secondary care. Each week over 50,000 use the service, making it the online professional resource most frequently used by them.

MedUniverse, which was established in 2008, is developing a similar platform in Sweden which will enable doctors across the Nordic region to access and share professional information.

Anna Omstedt Lindgren, managing director and co-founder of MedUniverse, said: “MedUniverse is at a relatively early stage in its development so this backing from Doctors.net.uk is of enormous value. With this support we will be able to build more quickly the leading professional network for doctors in the Nordic region.”

Doctors.net.uk provides education, forums for discussion and extensive editorial content, including conference highlights to support doctors in making the best decisions for the care of their patients.

As part of this agreement, MedUniverse will have access to this extensive editorial material, including several hundred educational modules, texts, and information in various therapeutic areas.