Virtus teams up with SIMS IVF

Australia’s largest providers of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) Virtus Health, has bought a 70% stake in an Irish IVF clinic, SIMS, for more than €15m.

Virtus Health has entered into a partnership with SIMS IVF that the companies say will enhance patient services and outcomes in Ireland and Australia.

SIMS IVF has been valued at €22m after operating for 17 years and recently achieving its 6,000th baby born via fertility treatment through the clinic.

Virtus Health has paid €15.49m for a 70% stake in the business.

Chairman and co-founder SIMS IVF, Anthony Walsh said he was delighted the clinic was joining with Virtus.

“SIMS IVF and Virtus share a lot of common values. The foundations of both organisations are built on providing the best possible treatment and care for people trying to have a baby.

“Before agreeing to become a Virtus partner, we undertook our own due diligence and determined that this partnership provided the best possible outcome for our patients and the SIMS IVF team,” he said.

Dr Walsh will continue as managing director of SIMS IVF and SIMS IVF co-founder, medical director David Walsh, will remain in his role.

This is the first venture by Virtus into the international market and will provide a blueprint for future acquisitions and growth.

CEO of Virtus, Sue Channon, said that collaboration can bring benefits to both companies, patients and employees.

“Previous collaborations with like-minded fertility teams in Australia have brought enormous benefits to patients, clinicians and staff alike.

“We are excited to welcome the dedicated, leading fertility doctors and staff of SIMS IVF to the Virtus family,” she said.