Medical Care
Duke Street Completes Acquisitions of ForLife and Trio Healthcare
2024-12-02
Duke Street, a mid-market private equity firm based in London, has been actively involved in the healthcare sector. In 2024 alone, it has made significant acquisitions, with ForLife and Trio being two of its notable ventures. ForLife, founded in Berlin in 1990, designs, develops, and manufactures medical devices and aids with a core focus on stoma care. It was acquired from GHD GesundHeits and includes its development and production center in Berlin, along with the UK distributor Oakmed. Trio, a specialist in stoma care based in Yorkshire, England, offers Genii stoma bags with the unique Sil2 Breathable Silicone Technology. The acquisition of Trio will now make these products available to a broader patient population. Duke Street's investment in ForLife is set to strengthen its product development and significantly increase its distribution capabilities, enabling it to reach more ostomy patients in European markets. This acquisition is Duke Street's second healthcare deal this year, following the acquisition of medical diagnostics service provider Agito Medical in August from Philips. Duke Street's healthcare portfolio also includes Kent Pharmaceuticals, a UK and Irish distributor of specialty generic drugs, which it bought in 2019. With its investments in various sectors such as consumer, healthcare, industrials, and engineering and services, Duke Street is well-positioned to drive growth and innovation in the healthcare industry.

Duke Street's Healthcare Acquisitions: Expanding Reach and Impact

ForLife: A Stoma Care Pioneer

ForLife, with its roots dating back to 1990 in Berlin, has established itself as a leader in stoma care. The company's commitment to designing, developing, and manufacturing high-quality medical devices and aids is evident in its extensive product range. Its acquisition from GHD GesundHeits not only brought in a well-established development and production center in Berlin but also opened up new distribution channels through the UK distributor Oakmed. This acquisition provides ForLife with a stronger foothold in the European market and the opportunity to serve a wider patient population.

The focus on stoma care at ForLife is crucial, as it addresses the needs of patients with stomas due to various medical conditions. The company's expertise in this area allows it to continuously innovate and improve its products, ensuring the best possible care for patients. The acquisition by Duke Street is expected to further fuel ForLife's growth and enable it to invest in research and development to bring even more advanced stoma care solutions to the market.

Trio: Bringing Advanced Stoma Care to Yorkshire

Trio, based in Yorkshire, England, specializes in stoma care and offers unique products like the Genii stoma bags with Sil2 Breathable Silicone Technology. This technology provides patients with enhanced comfort and breathability, addressing a common concern in stoma care. The acquisition of Trio by Duke Street will allow these innovative products to reach a much broader patient population, improving the quality of life for stoma patients across the region.

Yorkshire has a significant number of stoma patients, and Trio's presence in the area will now be enhanced with the support and resources of Duke Street. The acquisition is expected to lead to increased marketing and distribution efforts, ensuring that Trio's products are readily available to those in need. This will not only benefit the patients but also contribute to the overall advancement of stoma care in the region.

Duke Street's Healthcare Strategy

Duke Street's acquisitions of ForLife and Trio demonstrate its strategic approach to the healthcare sector. By investing in companies with a strong focus on specific medical areas, such as stoma care, Duke Street is able to build a diversified healthcare portfolio. These acquisitions provide opportunities for growth through product development, distribution expansion, and market penetration.

The firm's previous acquisitions, such as Kent Pharmaceuticals in 2019, have also contributed to its success in the healthcare industry. With a track record of successful carve-outs and investments, Duke Street is well-equipped to support the growth and development of the acquired companies. Its expertise in private equity and healthcare operations allows it to add value to the businesses it invests in and drive long-term success.

In conclusion, Duke Street's healthcare acquisitions of ForLife and Trio are significant steps in expanding its presence and impact in the industry. These acquisitions bring together companies with complementary strengths and expertise, positioning Duke Street for continued growth and innovation in healthcare.

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