Strengthening the Future of Healthcare Information: Whitney Moore Advises on Strategic Pharma Tech Joint Venture
Monday, 7th July, 2025
We are happy to have advised the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) on the successful establishment of a new joint venture with Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s leading media, services and education conglomerates. This significant development marks a new and exciting chapter for medicines.ie, Ireland’s most trusted online source for accurate and up-to-date medicines information.
A Strategic Move for Ireland’s Healthcare Ecosystem
As part of this transaction, medicines.ie has been transferred to a newly formed Irish company. This new entity is now jointly owned by IPHA and cormeo, a German-based Pharma Tech holding company within the Bertelsmann AG Group.
Bertelsmann operates in approximately 50 countries and brings extensive expertise in digital transformation and information technology platforms.
Cormeo’s together with IPHA, aim to strengthen the role of medicines.ie as a trusted public resource and ensure it evolves to meet the needs of healthcare professionals, patients, and the broader public in an increasingly digital world.
Whitney Moore’s Role
This was a complex and multi-layered transaction, requiring careful navigation across various legal disciplines. It brought together our corporate, property, and employment teams to ensure every aspect of the joint venture was commercially structured and implemented.
The project was led by Brendan Ringrose, Partner in our Corporate team, alongside Roisin Caulfield (Senior Associate) and Erta Kalemi (Trainee). Amanda-Jane Sweeney (Partner, Real Property) advised on all property-related aspects, while Emma Richmond (Partner) and Kate Dillon (Associate) managed employment matters.
Their combined efforts ensured that IPHA received clear, commercially sound advice throughout the transaction process. It was a strong example of the collaborative, cross-practice approach that clients trust us to deliver, particularly when the stakes are high and the strategic importance is clear.
What This Means for medicines.ie and the Broader Healthcare Landscape
This joint venture represents more than a change in ownership. It is a forward-looking move that will support the continued growth and modernisation of medicines.ie, ensuring it remains a valuable source of healthcare information for years to come.
For patients, healthcare professionals, regulators, and policymakers, access to clear and reliable medicines information is essential. This new partnership is expected to further enhance the reach and impact of medicines.ie, underpinned by international investment and technological strength.
How We Support Strategic Growth
We are often asked to support organisations as they prepare for major change, whether through partnership, restructuring, or expansion. Each transaction presents its own unique challenges, and our role is to help clients navigate complexity with confidence.
This project highlights our ability to advise on strategic collaborations that cross borders and sectors, and to provide a seamless experience for our clients from initial concept through to completion.
If your organisation is exploring a joint venture or undergoing a strategic transformation, we would be pleased to speak with you. Please contact Brendan Ringrose (brendan.ringrose@whitneymoore.ie) or any member of our team to learn how we can help.