EXCLUSIVE: Private equity firm eyes up majority shareholding of Invacare and Direct Healthcare Group
Transatlantic private equity firm Rhône has entered into exclusive discussions with the intention of acquiring a majority shareholding in Invacare and Direct Healthcare Group (DHG).
The strategic combination is expected to bring together two complementary companies – each with established reputations for quality, clinical performance, and service – and a shared commitment to improving the daily lives of individuals living with reduced mobility.
Together, Invacare and DHG will operate with an expanded global footprint and a broader product and service offering across mobility, pressure care, and rehabilitation, forming one of Europe’s leading providers in the post-acute mobility care sector.
Bringing together Invacare and Direct Healthcare Group (DHG) represents a strategic investment for Rhône in the future of mobility and post-acute patient care in Europe and internationally.
Customers and end-users across Europe will benefit from broader access to a comprehensive, high-quality product offering, combining Invacare’s strengths in manual and powered wheelchairs, including complex rehabilitation needs, with DHG’s expertise in pressure care and safe patient handling solutions.
Rhône has stated that it intends to support continued investment in product development, research, and operational capabilities to drive growth.
Geoffrey Purtill, President and CEO of Invacare Holdings Group (EMEA and APAC), commented: “We are thrilled with this proposed combination and new chapter for Invacare.
“Rhône’s investment and commitment to Invacare and our growth plan will enable us to further innovate and deliver high-quality products to continue our mission of ‘making life’s experiences possible.’”
Marianne Kirkegaard, Managing Director at Rhône, stated:“The combination of these businesses would allow for increased innovation, improved customer service, and better responsiveness to the evolving needs of end-users, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers around the world.”
The completion of the proposed transaction is subject to certain information and consultation processes with the relevant employee representative bodies, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions.
Moelis & Company LLC is acting as lead financial advisor to Invacare in connection with the transaction.
Graham Ewart, CEO of DHG, added: “The combination of DHG and Invacare presents a compelling opportunity to deliver greater value to our customers and end-users. By uniting our complementary portfolios, we can address both major and nuanced mobility challenges, whether moving from A to B or making critical small adjustments to repositioning.
“Backed by strong clinical evidence and measurable health economic outcomes, our solutions will continue to deliver real impact for individuals, caregivers, and healthcare systems.”
Following the completion of the transaction, Rhône would hold a majority shareholding in the combined business. DHG’s previous private equity backer, Archimed, will retain a minority interest.
Antoine Faguer, Partner at Archimed, commented: “After accompanying DHG since 2019 and having quadrupled the size of the business over these past few years, Archimed are thrilled with the opportunity to reinvest and to remain involved in the journey to build a European leader in premium post-acute patient care market.”
The completion of the proposed transaction is subject to certain information and consultation processes with the relevant employee representative bodies, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions.
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