Healthcare and life sciences consulting and data firm CF has appointed Vernon Baxter as a health investing specialist in its healthcare investing practice.

CF works for clients across health systems and the life sciences sector, providing access to healthcare data for the NHS, private equity, health insurance and private providers across Europe.

With a background in the UK’s health and social care investment market, Baxter has reported on UK M&A activity for more than 15 years, and has convened major industry events. With a network spanning health investors, executives, funders and advisors he previously led Investor Publishing and HealthInvestor UK for more than a decade. Baxter currently advises a range of stakeholders across health and social care, including HolonIQ, a provider of global impact intelligence, having established its healthcare division in 2022.

Baxter will advise CF and its clients across commercial and operational due diligence, value creation and growth strategy consulting, working alongside recently appointed healthcare investing partner, Jamil Anakkar.

CF’s managing partner Ben Richardson said:“Vernon joining the team is another exciting step in our journey; he brings a wealth of knowledge, context and deep understanding of the independent health network. Private capital and independent sector innovation will play a huge part in responding to the healthcare challenges the UK faces and we are excited about the impact we will make for clients with Vernon as part of the team.”

Baxter commented: “I’m delighted to be working with CF as it brings its data-led understanding of health systems to a broader client base. Healthcare companies are facing unprecedented complexity, and understanding the dynamics of this will be fundamental to maximising the success of investments in the sector. CF is ideally placed to help both operators and investors understand every possible scenario as we enter the next generation of health systems.”