MAP Group expands European reach with SKC acquisition

Pharmaceutical and biotech consultancy The MAP Group announced it will acquire German market access, and pricing and reimbursement consultancy SKC Beratungsgesellschaft mbH.

Based in Hannover, Germany, SKC services extend to the life sciences industry including pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health companies facing these complex issues.

The strategic move will broaden MAP Group’s reach into key European markets, further increasing its expertise and headcount, the company said.

The MAP Group has established operations in the UK, Ireland, and Benelux, with over 200 clients in 20 markets.

“Building on the existing UK, Ireland and Benelux businesses, this acquisition is an important step to further expand our pan-European presence and support our clients in the complex life science market,” a spokesperson for The MAP Group told Access Insider.

“The overall goal of the MAP group is to become Europe’s largest independent specialist pharmaceutical and biotechnology management consultancy, addressing the complex and fragmented European therapeutic access markets by widening our capabilities and geographical reach.”

Joining The MAP Group’s executive leadership team are Matthias P. Schönermark and Heike Kielhorn-Schönermark. The company said its “strategy is to continue to widen its range of products, services and capabilities, as well as geographical reach, through talent and corporate acquisition.”

“With the addition of the experienced and talented team from SKC, we advance our objective to ensure patient access to life-changing therapies in Europe and beyond,” Steve Glass, the MAP Group CEO, commented.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The deal follows The MAP Group’s May acquisition of AxTalis, a Belgium-based consultancy that will expand the MAP’s capabilities in regulatory strategy, compliance, and medical affairs to the Benelux area.

Future investments

The spokesperson said the company expects to make further investment in businesses and talent in Europe and outside of the EU, noting “to ensure that we have the services, products, talent, and expertise needed to address the implications of the fast-approaching EU HTA [Health Technology Assessment].”

The new upcoming HTA regulation, effective in January 2025, aims to improve and harmonize health technology assessment processes across EU member states, facilitating timely patient access to innovative health technologies.

“Key markets for expansion would include France, Italy, and Spain, in addition to other markets in Europe,” the spokesperson said.

“We are also working with US companies and in other ex-EU geographies, partnering with organizations that want to launch into the EU or UK market but do not have the infrastructure or resources to do so.”

Upcoming conferences related to market access include Trade & Channel Strategies and Access USA.

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