The joint administrators of In Practice Systems Limited (INPS), a long-established provider of clinical software and IT services to the NHS, completed a going-concern sale of the business, preserving critical services used by more than 900 GP surgeries and securing the transfer of approximately 130 employees.
The sale was completed on 4 August 2025 following an extended trading and marketing process conducted during administration. The transaction preserved the continuity of electronic patient record systems and related services relied upon by NHS bodies across the United Kingdom.
Background
Founded in 1984, INPS specialises in health informatics software and related IT services.
Following a strategic review and a period of continued losses, the parent company decided to withdraw from the UK market. Joint administrators were appointed on 10 December 2024 to protect stakeholder interests, maintain continuity where possible and explore options for a sale or orderly run-off.
From the appointment, the administrators continued to trade the business while engaging with NHS stakeholders, employees, suppliers and potential purchasers. Maintaining operational continuity was a key priority given the critical nature of the systems supported by INPS.
Sale process
A structured marketing process was launched immediately following the appointment, supported by preparatory work undertaken before the administration. Hilco was instructed as agent, and outreach was carried out to around 5,000 parties.
The eight-week marketing exercise generated 55 enquiries, with four parties remaining in the process at the final-offer stage. A preferred purchaser was selected following an assessment of price, deliverability and ability to maintain services in a highly sensitive operating environment.
An initial offer was accepted in principle, subject to exclusivity, due diligence and agreement of post-sale arrangements. The diligence process was extensive and reflected the technical nature of the business, its live-service obligations and the need to agree arrangements with NHS stakeholders. The sale completed on 4 August 2025.
Outcome
The transaction delivered a going-concern sale, preserved service continuity for NHS users and secured the transfer of the workforce. Unsecured creditors are expected to receive a dividend in due course.
The administrators said the outcome reflected the benefit of early preparation, close stakeholder engagement and the decision to continue trading while a purchaser was identified. The process required careful management of funding, staff retention, public-sector contractual issues and transitional arrangements with the wider group.
The joint administrators confirmed this as: “a highly complex assignment involving critical healthcare technology, multiple NHS stakeholders and a prolonged period of trading in administration. The successful sale protected continuity for users, preserved employment and is expected to deliver a strong return for unsecured creditors.”
The sale also demonstrates the role that a trading administration can play where continuity of essential services is integral to preserving value. In this case, sustained engagement with stakeholders enabled the administrators to avoid an immediate cessation of services and complete a transaction that balanced creditor outcomes with operational resilience.
At Crowe, we have a team of experienced and licensed Insolvency Practitioners who can advise you on the best course of action, depending on your business’s circumstances. Please get in touch with your usual Crowe contact.
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