GatesMcDonald Acquires Healthcare First, Inc.

GatesMcDonald, an affiliate of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, says it has acquired Healthcare First, Inc., a medical outcomes management firm that specializes in workers compensation, auto and disability insurance.

Healthcare First, a privately owned company based in Newton, MA, offers employers and insurers an outsourced product line designed to promptly return injured employees to work. Services include worksite training, injury reporting, and medical/return to work management—all of which are integrated with proprietary provider networks in seven northeastern states. GatesMcDonald says the acquisition supports its continued growth and gives the company a stronger East Coast presence.

"Healthcare First's management team and industry expertise will strengthen our current capabilities of providing bundled and unbundled employee benefit and risk management services to our customers," said David Hollingsworth, president and COO of GatesMcDonald. "It also brings added strength in the form of product distribution systems and geographic presence."

"Healthcare First is excited about joining with a first tier national firm such as GatesMcDonald," remarked Archie Simons, Jr. chief executive officer of Healthcare First. "The affiliation is the right strategic fit since it complements our core competencies and enhances Healthcare First's competitive advantage. In addition, by operating as a separate subsidiary of GatesMcDonald, our commitment to meeting the expectations of existing customers is retained."