PCM Healthcare acquired by Cogora

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VC-backed Cogora scale-up begins with  PCM Healthcare

Cogora, a prominent media and marketing services group, has announced the acquisition of PCM Healthcare, a leading agency specialising in medical education and communications.

The acquisition further strengthens Cogora’s portfolio, which includes well-known media brands like Pulse, Nursing in Practice, The Commissioning Review, and Hospital Pharmacy Europe, alongside its marketing services that provide research, strategy, and campaign delivery for clients.

PCM Healthcare to maintain leadership and direction

PCM Healthcare, co-founded by Alisa Pearlstone and Rob Miller, has built a reputation for pioneering innovative healthcare communications and non-promotional medical education that significantly improves patient care. Post-acquisition, both Pearlstone and Miller will continue to lead PCM from their London Docklands office, ensuring continuity in the company’s direction and operations.

PCM is structured into two distinct divisions:

  • PCM Scientific, a specialist CME and independent education business that has launched some of Europe’s most impactful educational programs.
  • Pharmacom Media, a promotional medical communications team that creates strategic campaigns for top-tier pharmaceutical clients like Novartis, Gilead, and Indivior.

A synergistic partnership

PCM Healthcare co-founder Alisa Pearlstone added: “PCM Healthcare has grown significantly by delivering innovative techniques and meaningful outcomes for our clients. Partnering with Cogora provides a significant synergy and will enhance our offerings."

The acquisition brings PCM access to Cogora’s extensive global network of over 220,000 healthcare professionals and its experienced digital production and marketing teams. Pearlstone emphasised that, despite the new resources, PCM will continue to operate with the same leadership and team that have driven its success, ensuring consistency in its approach and client relationships. 

A standout M&A target in healthcare professional engagement

Cogora CEO John Pettifor said: “Though we started as a ‘traditional’ media company, we’ve been operating in the agency space for some time now. PCM stood out as a key player that could enhance our technical expertise, clinical knowledge, and expand our geographical reach.”

 

The acquisition aligns with Cogora's vision of scaling its agency division, and PCM’s leadership in European Continuing Medical Education (CME) was a major factor in the decision.

The acquisition was backed by Cogora scale-up VC investor Beringea – the first in a string of M&A plays.

PCM Healthcare to maintain leadership team post-acquisition

PCM Healthcare, co-founded by Alisa Pearlstone and Rob Miller, has built a reputation for pioneering innovative healthcare communications and non-promotional medical education that significantly improves patient care. Post-acquisition, both Pearlstone and Miller will continue to lead PCM from their London Docklands office, ensuring continuity in the company’s direction and operations.

PCM is structured into two distinct divisions:

  • PCM Scientific, a specialist CME and independent education business that has launched some of Europe’s most impactful educational programs.
  • Pharmacom Media, a promotional medical communications team that creates strategic campaigns for top-tier pharmaceutical clients like Novartis, Gilead, and Indivior.

A synergistic partnership

PCM Healthcare co-founder Alisa Pearlstone added: “PCM Healthcare has grown significantly by delivering innovative techniques and meaningful outcomes for our clients. Partnering with Cogora provides a significant synergy and will enhance our offerings."

The acquisition brings PCM access to Cogora’s extensive global network of over 220,000 healthcare professionals and its experienced digital production and marketing teams. Pearlstone emphasised that, despite the new resources, PCM will continue to operate with the same leadership and team that have driven its success, ensuring consistency in its approach and client relationships.

About Cogora

Founded as a media company in London, Cogora has evolved via organic growth and M&A into a leading provider of media and marketing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for healthcare professionals and organizations across the globe. 

About PCM Healthcare

An independent medical education and communications agency, London-based PCM Healthcare is driven by innovation and committed to making a measurable impact on patient care standards. With a focus on both educational and promotional medical communications, PCM sets itself apart through its novel, outcome-oriented approaches.

Client feedback

“Doug’s ability to navigate the turmoil of a business sale with consummate calm and to instantly identify creative ways round every single barrier is second to none.

“Moreover, his personable and gentle nature, combined with his obvious insight and knowledgeability, helps him to earn trust, gain respect and build a solid rapport with every stakeholder in the process, including the buyer.

“It is small wonder he is able to achieve so much from getting the best buyer, price and terms of sale to keeping the sanity of all around him.

“It could have been so much more nerve-wracking than it was but having someone as able and talented Doug managing our sale took away so much worry.”

Alisa Pearlstone, co-founder

PCM Healthcare

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