BREAKING: Major acquisition in paediatric space as Sunrise Medical purchases Leckey and Firefly brands
Mobility giant Sunrise Medical has completed the acquisition of two global paediatric brands, Leckey and Firefly, following the purchase of Northern Irish manufacturer and distributor James Leckey Design.
Confirmed on 20 August 2020, the acquisition sees James Leckey Design and its Firefly Friends and Vida Global subsidiaries extend Sunrise Medical’s roster of paediatric mobility solutions, including its JCM and Zippie brands.
Headquartered in Lisburn, James Leckey Design was founded as a one-man-band in 1983 by James Leckey, who started out adapting children’s equipment for Mencap before gradually becoming a worldwide supplier of paediatric assistive tech.
According to Thomas Babacan, President and CEO of Sunrise Medical Group, the purchase will continue to strengthen the company’s position in what he describes as the strategically important paediatric sector.
“We are very delighted to bring Leckey and Firefly into the Sunrise family,” he commented.
“Sunrise has been a successful key distribution partner for Leckey for many years in multiple countries. Through this, we have developed a deep and trusting relationship, built upon a foundation of strong cultural alignment. We are confident that their experienced management team, highly skilled workforce and clinical expertise, solid product offering, well-invested R&D and manufacturing, represent an excellent strategic fit with Sunrise Medical.
“In addition, we expect great synergies across our key geographical markets, like North America, UK and Germany.”
Sunrise Medical will now take over the exclusive distribution of Leckey products in North America, said Babacan.
“This acquisition also marks a key step further in strengthening our paediatric offering and footprint in the UK, following our acquisition of JCM a few years ago,” continued the Sunrise Medical CEO.
“We believe Sunrise’s strong business infrastructure and local network in Germany and DACH region will further accelerate Leckey’s growth in this key market.
“We are also looking forward to leveraging Firefly’s advanced e-commerce business model, digital marketing and customer services to improve our ways of doing business and serving our global customers better.”
The acquisition of Leckey follows the announcement at the end of 2019 by Leckey and Ki Mobility to end a distribution agreement which saw Leckey bring the US-manufactured wheelchairs to the UK. At the time, Leckey Chairman James Leckey explained the decision was taken to enable Leckey to focus on its own ranges. At the start of 2020, Ki Mobility established its own dedicated team in the UK.
Discussing the acquisition by Sunrise, Ben Stocks, CEO of Leckey, commented: “Our products are highly complementary, Sunrise’s global sales networks, business resources and infrastructure will significantly accelerate Leckey’s global reach and growth; and its broad offering and expertise will provide a solid foundation for further product innovation and wider customer proposition.”
Distributed in more than 130 countries under its own 15 proprietary brands, Sunrise Medical’s extensive product portfolio includes manual and power wheelchairs, e-mobility products, motorised scooters, seating & positioning systems and daily living aids.
Operating in 18 countries, the multinational supplier is headquartered in Malsch, Germany and employs over 2,200 associates worldwide.
https://thiis.co.uk/breaking-major-acquisition-in-paediatric-space-as-sunrise-medical-purchases-leckey-and-firefly-brands/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leckey-Sunrise.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leckey-Sunrise-150x150.jpgMergers & AcquisitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsFirefly,James Leckey Design,JCM,Leckey,Sunrise Medical,Thomas Babacan,VIDA Global,ZippieMobility giant Sunrise Medical has completed the acquisition of two global paediatric brands, Leckey and Firefly, following the purchase of Northern Irish manufacturer and distributor James Leckey Design. Confirmed on 20 August 2020, the acquisition sees James Leckey Design and its Firefly Friends and Vida Global subsidiaries extend Sunrise Medical’s...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine