Prescient Buys Uptake, Forging a New Biopharma Consulting Powerhouse

LONDON – January 09, 2026 – In a significant strategic move set to reshape the biopharmaceutical consulting landscape, Prescient Healthcare Group today announced its acquisition of Uptake Strategies Ltd. The deal, for which financial terms were not disclosed, brings together two highly regarded global consultancies, creating an integrated entity with expanded capabilities in medical, strategic, and commercial advisory services.

This acquisition signals a deliberate push by Prescient, backed by its private equity partner Bridgepoint Development Capital, to build a dominant force in the life sciences support sector. By combining Prescient’s deep scientific and competitive strategy expertise with Uptake’s renowned commercial and product launch prowess, the new organization aims to provide a seamless, end-to-end partnership for pharmaceutical and biotech clients worldwide.

A Strategic Play in a Consolidating Market

The merger arrives amidst a wave of consolidation within the highly competitive healthcare consulting industry. As biopharma companies face increasingly complex development and commercialization pathways, they are seeking partners who can offer comprehensive, integrated support. This deal positions the combined Prescient and Uptake entity to meet that demand more effectively than ever before.

Prescient has already established itself as a key player, with practices in Medical, led by Luke Solon, and Competitive Strategy, led by Ryan Caradonna. The addition of Uptake, a firm with a 20-year history of excellence, specifically bolsters Prescient's commercial capabilities. A newly formed Commercial Practice will be co-led by Prescient's Simon Campling and Uptake's Managing Director, Maxine Smith, blending leadership from both organizations.

Jason McKenna, CEO of Prescient, highlighted the strategic alignment. "We are delighted to welcome Uptake to Prescient," he stated. "Uptake's reputation for excellence, innovation, and cultural integrity aligns perfectly with our own ambitions. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver integrated commercial, medical, and strategic solutions for clients globally."

The acquisition is the latest step in a growth strategy supported by Bridgepoint Development Capital, which first invested in Prescient in 2021. The private equity firm’s thesis has been to help Prescient scale through both organic growth and strategic M&A. This move follows Prescient's successful acquisition and integration of Strategic North in 2022, demonstrating a proven model for expansion.

Alan Payne, Partner and Deputy Head of Bridgepoint Development Capital, described the acquisition as a "strong strategic fit." He commented, "This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for Prescient, adding highly complementary commercial and launch expertise. Since partnering with Bridgepoint in 2021, Prescient has proven its ability to integrate high-quality businesses, and this transaction reflects a disciplined approach to scaling its platform while continuing to deliver strong outcomes for clients and patients."

Integrating Expertise for Enhanced Patient Impact

Beyond market positioning and corporate growth, leaders from both companies emphasize a shared mission: to translate their combined expertise into tangible benefits for patients. The core logic of the merger is that a more holistic consulting approach—one that bridges the gap between scientific development, market strategy, and commercial launch—will empower clients to bring more effective therapies to market more efficiently.

Uptake has built its brand on its ability to "inspire exceptional performance" and drive the successful uptake of new medicines. This focus on launch excellence and commercial strategy is a critical component in the modern biopharma lifecycle. When combined with Prescient's foundational strengths in scientific analysis and competitive intelligence, the result is a powerful value proposition. Clients will now have access to a single partner that can guide an asset from early-stage clinical development through to peak commercial success.

Stephanie Hall, the founder and CEO of Uptake, will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision. She will join the Prescient Board and take on the new role of Global Practice Lead—Commercial, ensuring that Uptake's client-centric ethos is woven into the fabric of the larger organization.

"When seeking a partner for our next chapter, Prescient stood out for its cultural alignment and shared commitment to purpose," Hall explained. "This next phase of Uptake's growth will unlock new opportunities for our people and clients, while preserving the values that have defined us for 20 years."

This sentiment underscores a belief that the merger is not merely a transaction but a combination of philosophies aimed at solving bigger problems. For biopharma innovators, this could mean more insightful strategic planning, more effective trial designs, and more successful product launches, all of which ultimately contribute to better and faster access to new treatments for patients.

Navigating the Human Element of Integration

While the strategic synergies are clear, the success of any merger hinges on the effective integration of people and culture. Both Prescient and Uptake have built reputations as values-led organizations, a factor that both leadership teams believe will smooth the transition. Prescient’s status as a Certified B Corporation, achieved in 2025, formally commits the company to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

History shows that mergers and acquisitions can be fraught with challenges, including high employee turnover and cultural clashes. However, Prescient appears to be taking a deliberate and thoughtful approach to integration. The leadership structure, which places Stephanie Hall in a key global role and establishes co-leadership for the new commercial practice, is designed to foster collaboration and retain institutional knowledge from both firms.

This focus on continuity is intended to reassure both employees and clients. In her new role, Hall is tasked with ensuring the "continuity of Uptake's values, culture, and dedication to delivering exceptional performance." This commitment suggests a recognition that the talent and unique methodologies of Uptake are key assets to be preserved and scaled, not absorbed and dissolved.

The integration plan also includes a phased approach to branding. Initially, Uptake will continue to operate under its well-established brand, with the addendum "part of Prescient." This allows for brand equity to be maintained while clients and the market adjust to the new reality. A more complete brand evolution is planned for a later date, giving the combined teams time to align their processes and messaging. With integration planning already underway, the focus is on maximizing the clear synergies and combined capacity with minimal disruption, building a stronger platform to deliver positive impact across the healthcare ecosystem.