In the latest sign of consolidation in the maturing AI market, Philips has announced that it is acquiring ultrasound AI specialist DiA Imaging Analysis (DiA).

The Dutch healthcare vendor has agreed to pay almost $100m for DiA, whose focus is on improving cardiac ultrasound imaging. The vendors have an established history together, with Philips forging a partnership with the Israeli firm in 2021 which enabled DiA’s solutions to be utilised by clinicians using Philip’s point-of-care ultrasound solutions. Later that year, Philips also participated in the AI developer’s latest funding round, as part of a cohort that netted DiA $14m, and gave Philips a five percent stake in the Israeli start-up.

The acquisition builds on this partnership, and will allow Philips to further leverage DiA’s nine FDA-approved solutions, but does it say more about Philips’ ongoing strategy?