Through Its PPC Worldwide Business, OptumHealth Continues to Expand Its Global Reach to Meet the Needs of Multinational Employers
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --
PPC Worldwide, a business of OptumHealth, announced plans to acquire leading Australian employee assistance program (EAP) provider IPS Worldwide to enhance its global EAP capabilities in Asia-Pacific and Australia. This latest investment underscores OptumHealth's commitment to expanding its international capabilities to meet the needs of multinational employers.
PPC Worldwide is a global leader in EAP benefits management, serving more than three million people in more than 140 countries. OptumHealth acquired PPC Worldwide in 2009.
Rapid economic development in Australia and Asia-Pacific, strong penetration of technology and competitive labor costs are motivating many multinational organizations to centralize front and back office operations in these regions. As a result, the need for high-quality EAP and other programs that support employee well-being continues to grow.
"Stress, financial matters or everyday life challenges can negatively impact an individual's overall well-being, but with proper support these issues can be successfully managed," said Ian Shakespeare, senior vice president of PPC Worldwide Asia-Pacific. "By adding IPS Worldwide we provide Australia and Asia-Pacific employers greater access to EAP services and work-life programs that can help keep their employees healthy and productive."
The acquisition of IPS Worldwide will provide local and multinational employers greater access to EAP services and support in Australia through local offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. Their employees will have access to a network of more than 450 behavioral health practitioners, building on PPC Worldwide's already comprehensive network. In the Asia-Pacific region, employers will have support from local offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, building on PPC Worldwide's current regional service centers in Shanghai and Bangalore. Employees who work in Asia-Pacific will have access to an additional estimated 100 behavioral health practitioners.
"OptumHealth's goal is to enhance employee health and well-being wherever they are in the world," said Andy Sekel, Ph.D., chief executive officer of OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions. "This acquisition is designed to support employers with expanding employee populations in Australia and Asia-Pacific who are committed to providing their workers with culturally appropriate counseling, work-life balance support and crisis intervention assistance at the local level."
About OptumHealth
OptumHealth helps individuals navigate the health care system, finance their health care needs and achieve their health and well-being goals. The company's personalized health advocacy and engagement programs tap a unique combination of capabilities that encompass public sector solutions, care solutions, behavioral solutions, specialty benefits and financial services. Serving more than 60 million people, OptumHealth is one of the nation's largest health and wellness businesses, and is a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company. More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com.
OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions provides services to one in seven Americans and is supported by the nation's largest behavioral provider network of more than 90,000 practitioners.
About PPC Worldwide
PPC Worldwide is the leading multinational provider of employee assistance programs, work/life, well-being and personal development services. As a pioneer of this sector drawing on 30 years experience, PPC Worldwide provides services to almost 3,000 organizations, covering three million employees in more than 100 countries. This has been achieved through a unique combination of established operations in key international territories and a global network of qualified professionals.
PPC Worldwide works with organizations of all sizes across multiple sectors, through our operations based in Europe, India, Australia, North America, South Africa, China and South America, and a network of more than 8,500 professionals. Our service ethos is based upon three guiding principals; trust, expertise and responsiveness. By embracing these values throughout our company, we ensure that our people deliver consistently high quality services tailored to each customer's requirements. PPC Worldwide is a business of OptumHealth. More information about PPC Worldwide can be found at www.ppcworldwide.com.
CONTACT:
OptumHealth
Brad Lotterman, 714-445-0453
Senior Manager, External Communications
brad.lotterman@optumhealth.com