Marking the first step toward a
broad heath and wellness information Web resource for employers, Johnson & Johnson has acquired HealthMedia, an online health counselor and Web intervention provider. Financials were not disclosed.
"HealthMedia will continue to operate as it does today under its current management with its existing product portfolio," said Jeffrey Leebaw, vice president, corporate media
relations for Johnson & Johnson. "Customers of HealthMedia's Web-based behavioral interventions include employers and payers. Customers purchase access to the customized programs on a per-employee
basis."
Founded in 1998, HealthMedia combines its technology and behavioral science to emulate a health coach in an online browser. With about 140 employees, it posted $23 million in revenue
last year.
Designed to reduce consumer health bills, the company's platform of interventions include wellness, disease management and behavioral health, and medication adherence.
The
acquisition couldn't be more timely, according to William Weldon, Johnson & Johnson CEO. "Global health care systems, including governments, employers, payers, and individuals, are seeking new
solutions to more effectively manage spiraling costs of care," Weldon said in a statement.
The new business platform will "offer customers meaningful products and services focused on wellness
and prevention that reduce health care costs, and at the same time, deliver new growth for our company," Weldon added.
HealthMedia will remain based in Michigan and is expected to retain its
present management structure and employees.