Healthcare and insurance company Bupa has bought the illustrious Cromwell Hospital in west London, UK.
The hospital was valued at £90m in the deal between Bupa and Ballyrogan Holdings, a Belfast-based private family company owned by the multi-millionaire Jennings brothers.
Bupa said it intends to create a centre of excellence for private patients by investing a further £30m over the next two years.
The private hospital in Kensington is famous for its investments and pioneering of state-of-the-art medical equipment and cancer services, with particular expertise in neuroscience and paediatrics.
It also cared for Northern Ireland football legend George Best in his final days.
The hospital has a large and loyal international clientele, many of whom travel across the globe to receive treatment in one of its 128 beds.
About 600 consultants drawn from London teaching hospitals practice there, covering more than 70 different specialities.
Outpatient services include private GPs, health screening and a walk-in family medicine and diagnostic centre.
Fergus Kee, managing director of Bupa Health Insurance, said: “Private patients tell us they want more high quality private health services in London.
“We believe there is tremendous opportunity to introduce modern, innovative ways of delivering healthcare in the capital offering high quality levels of customer service, clinical excellence and more cost effective care.”
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