The 964 healthcare mergers and acquisitions in 2005 represent a five-year high, according to a new report from Irving Levin Associates. The $158.7 billion involved in these deals was the second highest amount in the past five-year period.
Almost three-quarters of the dollars were involved in the healthcare technology segment, including biotechnology, e-health, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. However, the healthcare services segment, particularly long-term care, represented the greatest volume of deals. Among healthcare services, managed care accounted for the highest dollar volume, as insurers organized to implement Medicare Part D.
