Circle Health Group expands into UK laboratory operations
pharmafile | September 15, 2026 | News story | | Circle Health Group, PureHealth, UK laboratory operations, diagnostic services
Circle Health Group (Circle) has expanded into laboratory operations across the UK through the acquisition of selected laboratory operations from Unilabs.
The operations, which have transferred to Circle, provide pathology, histopathology, blood sciences, microbiology and specialist diagnostic services to more than 90 external healthcare clients.
The move will allow Circle to integrate laboratory services more closely with its hospital network, with the group aiming to improve collaboration between clinicians and laboratory specialists while increasing operational capacity and responsiveness.
Circle Health Group is part of global healthcare group PureHealth and will draw on the expertise of its laboratory subsidiary, PureLab. The company operates more than 150 laboratories and processes more than 25 million tests annually, with capabilities including automation and AI-enabled diagnostics.
Paul Manning, CEO of Circle Health Group, said integrating diagnostics with its hospitals would create a more connected model of care.
“Integrating diagnostics more closely with our hospitals allows us to deliver a more connected model of care,” he said. “It strengthens collaboration between clinicians and laboratory specialists, improves operational responsiveness and provides a strong foundation to support our continued growth.”
Circle said the laboratory network would continue to prioritise its existing external healthcare clients, while also providing capacity for new customers.
The group said the expansion formed part of its multi-year growth strategy, with investment planned in laboratory equipment, technology and scientific and clinical staff.
The acquisition will also enable Circle to expand diagnostic services across its hospital network, with the company aiming to improve access to testing and reduce turnaround times.
