Direct Healthcare Group diversifies into moving and handling with first European acquisition
Following its secondary buyout by European private equity firm ArchiMed, Direct Healthcare Group is back on the acquisition trail with the purchase of Swedish rehabilitation aids specialist GATE Rehab Development AB.
Reftele-based GATE has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of rehabilitation aids, with key product ranges including its Bure stand tall walkers and EASY hygiene chairs.
The acquisition will broaden Direct Healthcare Group’s product portfolio, diversifying into safe patient moving and handling solutions including sit-to-stand raising aids, patient transfer platforms and more.
Marking its first acquisition outside of the UK, the move provides Direct Healthcare Group with launchpad to bring its existing ranges of pressure care management products, pressure reducing & wheelchair cushions, as well as its specialist seating solutions to the Swedish and further Scandinavian markets.
“The acquisition of GATE represents our first strategic step in delivering our innovative, clinically proven, market-leading pressure care management and specialist seating portfolios into the Swedish and wider European markets,” commented Graham Ewart, CEO at Direct Healthcare Group.
“However, more so, the acquisition further enhances Direct Healthcare Group’s offering and belief in providing solutions that enable the healthcare challenges associated with reduced patient movement to be managed and resolved to support care providers in the delivery of better health outcomes.
“For over a decade, Direct Healthcare Group have been helping to achieve clinical outcomes and economic efficiencies within the bed and at the bedside. With the addition of GATE’s solutions, we can now also help to encourage safe, earlier mobilisation of patients to enhance recovery.”
Established in 2009, Direct Healthcare Group has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years largely driven through its successful M&A strategy, with acquisitions including Nightingale (2016), Kirton Healthcare (2017), Karomed’s Transflo brand (2018), Qbitus (2018) and Poshchair Medical (2018).
In December 2019, ArchiMed, a leading European investor in medical industries and care services, bought out Direct Healthcare Group, providing €150million of investment to continue to target strategic acquisitions.
According to Direct Healthcare Group, the acquisitions will have a particular focus on expanding the group’s European presence, whilst simultaneously adding clinically effective products that further the company philosophy of advancing movement and health.
Antoine Faguer, Partner at ArchiMed, said at the time: “Our common focus with management for the next phase of development will be on internationalising DHG’s footprint and expanding its product range, especially through further acquisitions.”
Direct Healthcare Group’s entrance into the moving and handling arena continues to see the sector become increasingly competitive as more suppliers seek to gain a foothold in the growing global market.
https://thiis.co.uk/direct-healthcare-group-diversifies-into-moving-and-handling-with-first-european-acquisition/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bure-Rise-Go-DB-DHG-featured.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bure-Rise-Go-DB-DHG-featured-150x150.jpgMergers & AcquisitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade Newsacquisition,ArchiMed,Bure,DHG,Direct Healthcare Group,EASY Hygiene chairs,GATE Rehab Development,Kirton Healthcare,moving and handling,Nightingale,Poshchair,QbitusFollowing its secondary buyout by European private equity firm ArchiMed, Direct Healthcare Group is back on the acquisition trail with the purchase of Swedish rehabilitation aids specialist GATE Rehab Development AB. Reftele-based GATE has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of rehabilitation aids, with key product ranges including its...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine