Medmark expands private occupational health footprint with Blackwell acquisition

Medmark, a private occupational healthcare provider in Ireland, has acquired Belfast-based Blackwell Associates to gain entry into the Northern Irish market.

The acquisition creates one of the largest all-island occupational health groups, with combined annual revenue exceeding €20 million.

Dr Robert Ryan, managing partner at Medmark, described the deal as a “landmark moment” for the firm. “The acquisition of Blackwell has created Ireland’s largest all-island occupational health service and will help the group to scale and build capacity for further growth,” he said.

Blackwell Associates, established in 1997 by Dr Alan Black, serves over 70 public and private sector clients, including some of the largest firms in the region. Dr Richard Black, managing and medical director of Blackwell, said, “We are delighted to be joining Medmark, a provider whose values and clinical standards mirror our own. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even more value to employers across Northern Ireland and beyond. We look forward to shaping the next chapter of occupational health as part of Medmark.”

Medmark currently provides workplace medical assessments and employee wellbeing services to more than 500,000 employees. The group has experienced sustained growth, recording €17.1 million turnover in 2024, up from €14.1 million in 2023, with pretax profits rising to €4.4 million, more than double the previous year.

The combined entity now operates from nine locations across the island, including Blackwell’s existing sites and a new Dublin City Centre clinic. Staff numbers have risen to 160, including over 70 occupational health physicians and nurses alongside administrative, wellness, and account management personnel.

Discover how Medmark’s all-island expansion is reshaping private occupational healthcare services in the full story.