WebMD Health Corp, a provider of health information services, has bought Mercury Healthcare, a technology and data analytics company backed by private equity firm Vestar Capital Partners.

The combination of WebMD and Mercury Healthcare will support more effective communication with patients.

“Vestar is proud to have supported the transformation of Healthgrades and Mercury over the last decade as they have become true leaders in consumer and b2b healthcare engagement,” said Norm Alpert, head of healthcare at Vestar. “Vestar targets innovative companies at the forefront of enabling patients, providers, and payers to make better informed decisions that improve the cost and quality of care. We recognize the importance of data and analytics to drive positive outcomes, and we remain committed to investing in market-leading companies at the intersection of healthcare and technology.”