The board at peaky NHS software provider iSoft has approved an offer to buy the firm by Australian healthcare specialist IBA.

The deal values iSoft at 58.1 pence per share, about £140m total. Because of its role in the trouble National Programme for IT, iSoft needs sign-off from the NHS as well as investors.

Chairman John Weston said: "We believe that this offer from IBA and the associated refinancing of the combined business's balance sheet will enable continuity of NPfIT on a sound footing."

IBA won the battle to snap up iSoft, which came down to a two-way tussle between it and US medical software group McKesson. It was put up for sale after accounting irregularities and executive departures saw its share price crash and doubts cast on its involvement with the NHS.

iSoft's own info on the deal is here. ®

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