Virgin buys into medical centres
VIRGIN has branched into healthcare after buying 75 per cent stake in a group of walk-in medical centres.
Richard Branson is using a unit of his company under the title of Virgin Healthcare to buy into the GPCo business of the Assura Group.
It is the largest owner of doctor’s surgeries in the UK and also runs pharmacies in GP centres.
It is not yet clear if the centres will be re-branded under the Virgin name.
Branson, who first eyed a move into healthcare in 2007, said: “I’m excited that Virgin and Assura will contine to develop this business, working alongside our NHS partners, to being excellent, high-quality services right to the heart of patients’ communities.”