Securing the PHP–Assura Merger Through Integrated Strategic Advisory

Sodali & Co supported Primary Health Properties PLC (PHP) with a high-impact, fully integrated campaign spanning strategic communications, proxy advisory, and capital markets intelligence in its successful acquisition of Assura PLC—overcoming a competing private equity bid.

Our multidisciplinary approach aligned investor sentiment, strengthened market confidence, and mobilised shareholder support, while driving a proactive media strategy that secured more than 25 pieces of coverage across national, trade, and newswire outlets. In parallel, our political advisory team worked alongside PHP’s legal and competition advisers in advance of the UK competition review process.

The transaction received clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in October 2025, confirming that the PHP–Assura merger raised no competition concerns and enabling PHP to proceed with confidence in delivering long-term strategic value.

Transaction Highlights

• Integrated Campaign: Combined strategic communications, proxy advisory, and capital markets intelligence to support a competitive bid environment
• Shareholder Engagement: Successfully aligned investor sentiment and secured broad-based shareholder backing
• Media Impact: Achieved 25+ pieces of high-quality coverage across national, trade, and newswire publications
• Regulatory Outcome: Cleared by the CMA with no competition concerns identified
• Strategic Positioning: Strengthens PHP’s portfolio and reinforces its position as a leading healthcare real estate platform in the UK

For more information, please contact the Sodali & Co team.