Bupa’s acquisition of New Victoria Hospital is just the beginning as UK health M&A holds strong, says Heligan Group

The move reflects Bupa’s ambition to build a vertically integrated, multi-specialty healthcare platform in the UK

Last week, Bupa announced its first hospital acquisition since 2008, with the deal set to be finalised in the summer of 2025. According to Heligan Group, the move from Bupa is part of a broader M&A trend, including recent acquisitions of The Dermatology Partnership, London Medical, and Blackberry Clinics.

Ramesh Jassel, Lead Strategic Partner at Heligan Group, claims that Bupa has made the move for greater control over the patient journey, “By owning hospitals, Bupa can ensure seamless transitions from diagnosis to treatment, optimising the patient experience and clinical pathways. In addition, with the rising demand for integrated care, patients are increasingly expecting joined-up healthcare services and Bupa’s move allows it to deliver more coordinated, person-centred care.”

“The acquisition will give Bupa operational leverage and efficiency with direct ownership, allowing the group to optimise its resource allocation, reduce duplication, and leverage economies of scale. Lastly, the deal provides a level of strategic market expansion, elevating Bupa’s presence in the London market and adds new specialities and facilities to its portfolio.”

Many patients are seeking faster and more reliable alternatives to the NHS. With GP appointments available for around £79, Bupa is tapping into a growing willingness to pay for timely, quality care. Health is the ultimate investment, and Bupa appears to have a clear plan to reshape the UK healthcare landscape.

“The UK private healthcare market is undergoing active consolidation, driven by rising demand for private care amid NHS backlog, investor appetite for scalable, tech-enabled healthcare assets and strategic repositioning by major players seeking end-to-end control”, added Jassel. “Bupa’s acquisition of New Victoria Hospital follows its recent purchases of The Dermatology Partnership, London Medical, and Blackberry Clinics - signalling a clear intent to build a vertically integrated, multi-speciality platform. This trend is mirrored by other insurers and private equity-backed providers.

Jassel continued, “Bupa’s move is more than a transaction, it’s a signal. As healthcare becomes more consumer-centric, data-driven, and outcomes-focused, traditional boundaries between insurers, providers, and tech platforms are dissolving.

“For Bupa, this is a chance to redefine its role, not just as a payer, but as a proactive health partner. It’s a revolution I support, especially in light of NHS inefficiencies. For the price of a healthier takeaway, patients are increasingly willing to invest in their wellbeing and will pay for secondary care to achieve the outcomes they deserve.

"Bupa has also invested in a Bupa International Campus, including the Staines centre in the UK, aiming to create a pipeline of trained healthcare professionals to meet the shortfall caused by poor workforce planning across UK Plc.

For the market, it’s a reminder that integration, innovation, and insight are the new frontiers of competitive advantage”, concluded Jassal.