M&A Awards 2017

Acquisition International - M&A Awards 2017 11 Moving forward, the firm has a number of exciting developments in the pipeline which will help it to continue to grow and succeed, as Mike discusses. “Recently, we have announced that, in addition to our centres in Newport and Northumberland, we will also be opening cancer centres in Reading and Liverpool. Earlier this year, we announced that our centres will be called The Rutherford Cancer Centres. The name reflects the renowned scientist Ernest Rutherford’s contribution in identifying and naming the proton in 1911. “Alongside this, we have recently opened the doors to our first cancer centre in Newport, The Rutherford Cancer Centre, South Wales, for conventional treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and imaging. The proton beam therapy machine has just been delivered on site, which is the first high energy proton machine to be on UK soil. The treatment will be available at our South Wales centre next year. “Proton Partners International also announced that we are going to undertake a major genomics research centre at the Life Sciences Accelerator building in Liverpool (the building is the first part of a ‘health campus’ that is set to surround the £335m new Royal Liverpool Hospital). We will work with the University of Liverpool’s Physics Department on a genomics programme to collate, analyse and distribute data from our treatment centres. In addition to the research centre, we have recently announced a two-year collaborative research project with The University of Liverpool to develop a new measurement system, known as a 3D Water Phantom, which will further improve the accuracy of proton beam therapy treatment. The new system will use pixelated silicon detectors, first developed at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. Improved accuracy will lead to better modelling and calibration of treatment beams, which will offer more advanced treatment for patients. It will also allow for more accurate clinical research and development to be undertaken. “In terms of new deals; we are currently talking to several organisations about leveraging our building assets with a sale and leaseback model. For every building that we build we intend to sell and lease it back over a fixed period to drive cash back into the business. With an estate of five high value buildings within the next three years we see this as an attractive proposition.” Overall, the market for proton beam therapy is rapidly evolving, and in order to remain at the very cutting edge of this dynamic space, Proton Partners will continue to develop, as Mike is proud to conclude. “Ultimately, the most significant challenge that we will face over the next decade is keeping up with the demand for proton beam therapy. As the clinical evidence reads out, there will be more patient demand which will require the development of more operational centres. Proton Partners International will be at the forefront of the growth and we will continue to invest to maintain our position as market leaders.” John Pettingell, head of physics at Proton Partners International, Mike Moran, chief executive officer of Proton Partners International and Olivier Legrain, chief executive officer of IBA