Direct Healthcare Group (DHG) has secured new funding via a secondary buyout by European healthcare specialist investor ArchiMed.
DHG is a fully integrated design and manufacturer of Class IIa medical devices focused on early mobilisation of patients in order to prevent healthcare challenges associated with non-movement. This is delivered from a range of innovative and award winning pressure area care products designed to prevent and treat pressure injuries, plus size patient care equipment and specialist seating products that support enablement of semi and non ambulant patients. Founded in 2009, the business works with care providers in over 20 countries throughout Europe and internationally.
Since a management buy-out in 2016, headcount has increased from 52 to 185 across seven sites in the UK, including its head office in Caerphilly, South Wales. With a far broader patient solutions offering via acquisitions of companies including Nightingale, Kirton, Transflo and Qbitus, the firm has expanded its product and service portfolio within the prevention of avoidable patient harm.
ArchiMed is a leading European investor in medical industries and care services with a portfolio covering European and North American companies. Over the last 20 years, ArchiMed’s leadership team has invested in over 40 small, medium and large-size healthcare companies with a combined value of more than €5bn.
DHG’s base within the UK will remain stable under the existing management team, however under ArchiMed’s ownership, the firm will continue to target strategic acquisitions, with a particular focus on expanding its European presence. As a result of this €150m further investment, DHG’s product portfolio will increase, thus offering an even broader patient solution to its customers.
Graham Ewart, CEO at Direct Healthcare Group, said: “Ensuring that patients maintain active and independent lives is at the heart of our business model, and having established ourselves as a market leader in the UK, Europe represents an enormous opportunity to expand our horizons and impact more lives. ArchiMed will be able to provide a gateway to this market, and we look forward to replicating our success in recent years and developing a strong partnership with the team in the coming months.”
Antoine Faguer, Partner at ArchiMed, said: “We’re partnering with an exceptional management team with a proven track record when it comes to clever product innovation and driving successful mergers and acquisitions. 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.”
