(Yicai Global) March 12 -- A consortium of companies led by Alibaba Group Holding has invested in Ikang Healthcare Group, according to information on business data platform Tianyacha.

The total investment is worth about USD1.5 billion, media reports said. Other group members include e-commerce player Suning and Boyu Capital as well as Yunfeng Capital, which was set up by Alibaba founder Jack Ma.

The subsidiaries controlled by Alibaba will indirectly hold 23.8 percent of Ikang Healthcare's assets, while Suning will own 3.4 percent, reports said.

Health care is one of Alibaba's main businesses, Sina reported the Hangzhou-based firm as saying, adding that Ikang is a leading medical service provider and has long cooperated with Ali Health.

Areas of cooperation will include physical examinations, online and offline services, and the diagnosis of diseases using artificial intelligence.

Editor: William Clegg