BY Fraser Tennant
In a deal that looks beyond its conventional businesses, investment company Jardine Matheson is to acquire Australian medical imaging provider I-MED Radiology Network for AU$3.4bn.
Jardines, whose businesses span property, retail and automotive sectors, will buy a 100 percent stake in I-MED from funds advised by UK private equity firm Permira and other shareholders. The deal will be funded through a combination of Jardines’ existing cash resources and debt facilities.
The transaction also includes I-MED’s minority interest in Harrison.ai, a pioneer in developing radiology artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, including CT brain and chest scans.
The diagnostic imaging industry in Australia and New Zealand is one of the most advanced in the world, with demand underpinned by strong fundamentals including the region’s growing population, demand for non-doctor supported services, and increasing utilisation of diagnostic imaging as a tool for early diagnosis and preventative health.
The acquisition of I-MED represents a significant step for Jardines in its strategic evolution as an Asia Pacific-focused investor and control owner of high-quality businesses in the region.
“As a long-term, committed investor, our goal is to build larger, high-quality businesses across our portfolio, and we look forward to supporting I-MED in the next phase of its growth,” said Lincoln Pan, chief executive of Jardines. “I-MED is already a market leader in radiology today, and we expect the business will expand further in I-MED’s core markets as well as new markets.”
Operating a large, integrated network of 215 diagnostic imaging clinics across metropolitan and regional communities in Australia and New Zealand, I-MED is a leader in teleradiology – the technology-enabled remote interpretation of medical images – to support diagnoses for patients receiving care where radiologists may not be available in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
“We are looking forward to working with Jardines to execute on our growth agenda,” said Dr Shrey Viranna, chief executive of I-MED. “This means continuing to deliver high-quality, expert diagnostic services for the benefit of patients while also enhancing our service offering, implementing AI solutions and exploring international growth opportunities.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, and is expected to complete in late 2026.
“I-MED have a first-class management team, which have not only driven consistent earnings growth, but have stayed at the cutting edge of innovation, including bold steps into AI which will allow them to strengthen their market-leading position, while still supporting high clinical standards,” added Mr Pan.
News: Jardine Matheson to buy Australia's I-MED at $2.4 billion enterprise value in healthcare push