Patientline acquired by new venture

Hospedia also plans providing service to another 20,000 beds in hospitals with no bedside TV or phone use, and a significantly broader range of services. Under the deal, Hospedia is acquiring Patientline UK and, with the support of the banking syndicate that has financed it, the latter’s debt is being reduced by over £35 million. Patientline plc, Patientline UK’s original holding company, is now in administration, but its existing hospital contracts and services will continue uninterrupted.

Hospedia’s current shareholders are the Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC Bank, Bank of Scotland, and IKB Deutsche Industriebank. Subject to OFT clearance and the acquisition of Premier, Milestone Capital, Premier’s majority share owner, will become a shareholder, along with the management team led by Tim Weil, Premier’s CEO, who becomes Hospedia CEO.

On acquiring Premier Hospedia will receive over £12 million of additional investment from the existing Patientline banking syndicate, to be invested in updated telephone and television units and new services. Users, meanwhile, can look forward to better value “packages”, enhanced internet access, on-demand films, audio books, new games, longer stay discounts, and new content.