KKR, Hologic And Ajax Health Create New Platform To Accelerate Medical Device Innovation

KKR

Platform Will Focus on Technologies to Detect Lung Cancer, the Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths

NEW YORK & MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced a new platform established with investments from KKR and Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX), a global leader in women’s health and medical technology innovator. The new platform, named Maverix Medical, will be managed by Ajax Health under the leadership of Duke Rohlen.

Maverix will develop and acquire innovative technologies and commercial operations within the lung cancer disease category. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.1

KKR and Ajax Health will contribute existing portfolio company Serpex Medical to the platform. Serpex Medical develops innovative steerable technology that can precisely target lung tissue for biopsy or delivery of therapy.

“We have long admired the life-changing technologies pioneered by Hologic and are delighted to combine our collective resources to establish this new platform led by our long-time executive partner Duke Rohlen,” said Ali Satvat, Partner, Co-Head of Americas Health Care and Global Head of Health Care Strategic Growth at KKR. “This unique strategic partnership has enormous potential to develop, advance and bring to market differentiated devices and diagnostics and enable meaningful treatments for lung cancer patients.”

“This strategic partnership strongly aligns with our leadership in diagnostic innovation and early cancer detection,” said Steve MacMillan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hologic. “Together with Ajax and KKR, we are excited to partner on a platform that leverages our strengths and expertise to target new disease categories, such as lung cancer, and that will allow us to continue to enable healthier lives everywhere, every day.”

“This is an ideal strategic collaboration for developing winning medical technologies that drive transformational growth and deliver patient impact. The Ajax team is eager to contribute our successful experience building portfolios of innovative products to Hologic’s world-class commercial and strategic capabilities and KKR’s approach to scaling companies and supporting growth together to create value and improve patient outcomes,” said Duke Rohlen.

KKR is investing in Maverix through its Health Care Strategic Growth strategy. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Ajax Health

Ajax builds growth engines that generate innovative product portfolios to catalyze value creation for larger, commercial-stage MedTech companies. Backed by premier global private equity firms including KKR, the Ajax team draws on 20+ years of experience as entrepreneurs, operators and investors. Ajax Health is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Austin. For more information, please visit www.ajaxhealth.com.

About Hologic, Inc.

Hologic, Inc. is a global medical technology innovator focused on improving the health and well-being of women, their families and communities through early detection and treatment. Its advancements include invention of the world’s first commercial 3D mammography system to find breast cancer earlier; leadership in testing for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections and respiratory illnesses; minimally invasive surgical technologies for uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding; and advanced vessel sealing and dissection devices. For more information about Hologic, visit www.hologic.com.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Hologic products. There can be no assurance these products will achieve the benefits described herein or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient, as the actual effect of the use of the products can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, there can be no assurance that these products will be commercially successful or achieve any expected level of sales. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented herein to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such data or statements are based.

Hologic and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

World Health Organization. Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer Last accessed November 12, 2023.

Hologic Investors:
Ryan Simon
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 858.410.8514
ryan.simon@hologic.com

Hologic Media:
Bridget Perry
Director, Corporate Communications
+1 508.263.8654
bridget.perry@hologic.com

KKR:
Miles Radcliffe-Trenner
+1 212.750.8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

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EQT Life Sciences co-leads Vectory’s €129 million ($138 million)

eqt
  • Round co-led by EQT Life Sciences and Forbion
  • Series A financing will support clinical development of the lead program in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and preclinical development of pipeline programs based on VectorY’s broad technology platform

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, November 14, 2023 – EQT Life Sciences is pleased to announce its investment in the €129 million ($138 million) Series A financing round of VectorY Therapeutics, a Dutch biotech company developing innovative vectorized antibody therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The round was co-led by EQT Life Sciences and the Forbion Growth Opportunities Fund.

 

New and existing investors also participated in the financing, including MRL Ventures Fund, a corporate venture arm of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ USA, Insight Partners, ALS Investment Fund, Forbion Ventures, BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) and another known investor.

 

VectorY will use the proceeds to support the clinical development of VTx-002, its lead vectorized antibody program targeting TDP-43 for the treatment of ALS. The Company will also accelerate the development of its vectorized antibody platform and additional pipeline programs targeting proteinopathies causing other neurodegenerative diseases.

 

Arno de Wilde, MD, PhD, MBA, Director at EQT Life Sciences, commented: “We are very impressed with VectorY’s unique capabilities to combine gene and antibody therapy drug development with deep neuroscience expertise. The Company’s technology allows for targeted protein degradation while restoring or preserving normal protein function, with applications across multiple neurodegenerative diseases. EQT Life Sciences will invest from the LSP Dementia Fund, led by Prof. Philip Scheltens, leveraging its specific expertise and network and joining VectorY in its mission to develop much needed treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.”

 

In connection with the financing Arno de Wilde, MD, PhD, MBA will join VectorY’s board of directors and Prof. Philip Scheltens, MD, PhD will join as board observer. The company’s full press release can be found here.

About EQT Life Sciences

EQT Life Sciences was formed in 2022 following the integration of LSP, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, into the EQT platform. As LSP, the firm raised over EUR 3.0 billion and supported the growth of more than 150 companies since it started to invest over 30 years ago. With a dedicated team of highly experienced investment professionals coming from backgrounds in medicine, science, business, and finance, EQT Life Sciences backs the smartest inventors who have ideas that could truly make a difference for patients.

 

The LSP Dementia Fund started in 2020 and has a dedicated neuroscience team that combines deep sector knowledge, analytical skills, and investment experience to provide the added value that inventors seek.

About VectorY Therapeutics

VectorY is on a mission to provide patients with neurodegenerative diseases a longer, better life by creating transformative vectorized antibody treatments. Our platform combines the promise of precise therapeutic antibodies with one-time AAV-based delivery to the CNS. Unique in-house expertise in antibodies, AAV vectors, protein degradation, manufacturing and neuroscience drives the rapid development of much needed disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Huntington’s disease. For more information, see vectorytx.com.

Contacts
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com
Prof. Philip Scheltens, Partner and Head of the LSP Dementia Fund, Philip.scheltens@eqtpartners.com

 

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Sunstone Life Science Ventures joins EUR 57 Million Series A Investment in Kynexis to Advance Development of Novel Therapeutics for Cognitive Disorders

Sunstone Life Science

Copenhagen, Denmark, November 7th 2023 — Sunstone Life Science Ventures (Sunstone), a leading
Nordic venture capital firm, is excited to announce its participation in a EUR 57 million Series A
funding round for Kynexis B.V., a pioneering biotech company dedicated to advancing treatments for
cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Jacob Lange Moresco, Investment Director with
Sunstone, will be joining Kynexis’ board of directors as part of this investment.

This significant funding round was led by European investor Forbion alongside Ysios Capital and
Sunstone. The financing will support Kynexis’ innovative approach, which combines cutting-edge
patient selection methods with a deep understanding of the genetic links underlying their lead
molecule’s mechanism of action. The unique combination of strategies holds the promise of not only
improving the effectiveness of treatment but also personalizing it to individual patients, a crucial
advancement in the field of mental health therapeutics.

The lead program, KYN-5356, is designed to regulate kynurenic acid levels in the brain and in turn
address the cognitive impairment often associated with schizophrenia, a debilitating condition that
affects millions of individuals worldwide. Cognitive impairment can significantly hinder the quality of
life for those living with schizophrenia, making this research a critical area of focus for the medical
community.

Kynexis’ leadership team holds extensive experience in psychiatry, neurology and drug discovery and
includes CEO Kees Been, CMO Jens Wendland as well as Executive Chair Peter Høngaard Andersen.
Jacob Lange Moresco expressed his enthusiasm about this investment and his role on Kynexis’
board, stating, “We believe that Kynexis’ approach to addressing cognitive impairment associated
with schizophrenia has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals and their families.
We are thrilled to support this world-class team and their important work towards better
therapeutic options for individuals living with mental illness.”

About Kynexis
Kynexis is advancing precision therapeutics for brain diseases by taking a biomarker-based approach
to advance a potential first-in-class treatment for cognitive impairment associated with
schizophrenia (CIAS). By harnessing large data to identify and stratify patients based on the
underlying causal human biology of the disease, Kynexis is targeting KAT-II, a key enzyme in the
kynurenine pathway. The company’s lead candidate, KYN-5356, is a first-in-class small molecule that
is potent and highly selective for KAT-II. The Company also has a subsidiary in the United States and
a Massachusetts office in Cambridge. (Kynexis Therapeutics Inc.).

About Sunstone Life Science Ventures
Sunstone Life Science Ventures is an independent European venture capital investment firm
founded in 2007 by an international team of industry experts with combined entrepreneurial,
operational and financial experience. Managing total funds of €500 million, Sunstone focuses on
developing and expanding early-stage Life Science companies with strong potential to achieve global
success in their markets. Since inception, Sunstone has invested in more than 60 companies, and has
completed more than 25 successful IPOs and large M&A transactions.
For more information about Kynexis, please visit kynexistx.com
For more information about Sunstone, please visit sunstone.eu

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Nordic BioSite Group announces acquisition of LubioScience & name change to Europa Biosite

Adelis Equity

Established in 1997, Nordic BioSite was founded with the ambition to be the leading Nordic distribution partner of premium reagents for life science research use. Four years ago, following the successful penetration of the Nordic market, their commercial ambition was broadened to become the leading life science distributor in Europe. Nordic BioSite Group has since increased sales x5 through high organic growth and yearly best-in class acquisitions.

Today we are delighted to announce our latest acquisition, LubioScience, in Switzerland. As the fastest growing life science distributor in Switzerland, LubioScience is an excellent addition to our Group and an important step towards our ambition to provide exceptional distribution services across Europe.

In recognition of our geographical expansion, we are ready to progress to a new name that is more reflective of our growth and future ambitions. Effective from today, Nordic BioSite Group will be known as Europa Biosite. Europa Biosite is a name that reflects our aspirations to be the leading site for life science products within Europe. Looking to the future, we aspire to further develop our success across Europe through additional industry-leading acquisitions and continued high organic growth. New website to be launched October 2023.

“Switzerland is a key research hub in Europe and hence we have been eager to be present there to help existing and new suppliers gain access to this fast-growing market. LubioScience has been #1 on our target list for a long time as we have been impressed with the success they have had in the Swiss market. I am sure there are many things we can learn from their success to replicate within the Group, just like we can transfer our commercial and operational best practices to LubioScience” says CEO Sune Schmolker. Dr. Tobias Dietschy and Dr. Daniel Auerbach will continue working at LubioScience, and comment in a shared statement on the deal: “The consolidation of the European life science distribution market will generate value for suppliers and customers, and we see an exciting future for LubioScience as part of the fastest growing pan-European group of distributors within our industry”.

The parties have chosen not to disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

For further information:

Europa Biosite: Sune Schmolker, CEO, sune.schmolker@nordicbiosite.com, +45 42 92 17 79

LubioScience: Tobias Dietschy, tobias.dietschy@lubio.ch, + 41 76 559 45 67

About LubioScience

LubioScience has been a leading distributor of life science products for over 20 years in its home market, Switzerland. Its highly qualified employees support local customers in gaining access to innovative products from top quality global life science manufacturers. For further information please visit www.lubio.ch

About Europa Biosite

Europa Biosite is a European supplier of life science products and services. We are a group of five leading distribution companies: Biomol in Germany, Cambridge Bioscience in the UK and Ireland, Nordic BioSite in the Nordics and Baltics, Sanbio in Benelux and Szabo-Scandic in Austria. The group has a portfolio of over 5 million products, representation in 15 European countries and a highly skilled team of over 130 employees.

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Sunstone Life Science Ventures Fund IV invests in DiogenX, a biotech company developing a first-in-class regenerative treatment for type 1 diabetes

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Sunstone Life Science

Copenhagen, Denmark and Marseille, France, Oct 31, 2023 – Sunstone Life Science Ventures
(Sunstone), a leading European venture capital firm focused on life science therapeutics, today
announced that Sunstone’s Fund IV has invested in the Series A financing round of DiogenX now
increased to €33.5 million ($33.8M). In May, DiogenX, a biotech company focused on regenerating
insulin-producing beta cells for the treatment of diabetes, had announced its initial Series A financing
round.

DiogenX was founded in 2020 based on the groundbreaking research of Professor Patrick
Collombat, a world-renowned expert in pancreatic beta cell regeneration. The Company’s lead
program is a first-in-class recombinant protein that aims at replicating insulin-producing beta
cells in the pancreas. This novel approach has the potential to offer a disease-modifying therapy
for type 1 diabetes, a chronic and life-threatening condition that affects millions of people
worldwide.

In this Series A round, Sunstone LSV Fund IV joins lead investors Roche Venture Fund and
Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), alongside new investors Eli Lilly and Company and
Omnes and existing investors JDRF T1D Fund and AdBio partners. The funding will enable
DiogenX to advance its lead candidate towards clinical development.
“We are very impressed by the scientific achievements and the vision of DiogenX’s team. We
believe that their approach to regenerate beta cells has the potential to transform the treatment
landscape for type 1 diabetes and to improve the lives of millions of patients” said Claus
Andersson, General Partner at Sunstone and board member of DiogenX. “We are delighted to join
this strong syndicate of specialized investors and to support DiogenX in its next phase of growth.”
“Sunstone is a highly respected and experienced investor in the European biotech ecosystem.
We are thrilled to have them on board as we work towards the clinic with our lead program,” said
Benjamin Charles, co-founder and CEO of DiogenX. “We are grateful for the continued support
of our existing investors and the trust of our new investors. Together, we share a common vision
to bring innovative solutions for patients with type 1 diabetes.”

About Sunstone
Sunstone is an independent European venture capital investment firm founded in 2007.
Sunstone focuses on scientifically advanced assets, and invests to develop and expand preclinical stage life science companies with strong potential to achieve global success within their
therapeutic fields. Sunstone has invested in more than 50 companies and has completed more
than 23 successful exits and IPOs. Sunstone ranks among the most active European investors in
life science therapeutics. For more information, please visit sunstone.eu.

About DiogenX
DiogenX is a biotech company focused on regenerating insulin-producing beta cells for the
treatment of diabetes.
Founded in 2020 based on the research of leading type 1 (T1D) diabetes scientist Patrick
Collombat on pancreatic beta-cell regeneration, DiogenX is developing first-in-class
recombinant proteins designed for the treatment of T1D.
DiogenX’s lead program is focused on modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway to
regenerate pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells to offer a disease-modifying therapy for type
1 diabetes. It is currently in preclinical development.
DiogenX is supported by a network of world-leading experts in diabetes and a consortium of
investors including diabetes and biopharma leaders Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Roche
Venture Fund, Eli Lilly and Company, Omnes, JDRF T1D Fund, Sunstone and AdBio partners. The
company founded by Patrick Collombat, Jean-Pascal Tranié and Benjamin Charles, is based in
Marseille, France, with research labs in Nice, France.
www.diogenx.com

Contact
Sunstone: Claus Andersson, PhD, General Partner, andersson@sunstone.eu, +45 22 70 50 65
DiogenX: Andrew Lloyd & Associates / SaƯiyah Khalique – Celine Gonzalez
saƯiyah@ala.associates / celine@ala.associates, UK: +44 1273 952 481, US: +1 203 724 595.
@ALA_Group

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Het Gastenhuis and Amvest team up to provide sustainable Gastenhuizen

NPM Capital

Het Gastenhuis and Amvest team up to provide sustainable Gastenhuizen

In partnership with property owner Amvest, Het Gastenhuis is realizing sustainable guest houses. Most of these houses are fully independent from natural gas and are equipped with solar panels and heat pumps. Only a few locations still remain connected to the gas network solely as a backup for the heat pumps. A few older buildings that have been converted to Gastenhuizen are currently also in the process of becoming more sustainable. Low energy consumption (low CO2 emissions) and a comfortable indoor climate are key aspects that are taking into account.

 

Furthermore, the Amvest Living & Care Fund, the developer and owner of het Gastenhuis, has been named the most sustainable healthcare real estate fund in Western Europe for the fourth time. The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the global standard for sustainability in real estate, announced this in October 2023.

 

With this Het Gastenhuis is working with Amvest to continue to build a more sustainable future.”

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Clinisupplies Acquires Aquaflush TAI Portfolio To Continue Building A Leading Chronic Care Organisation

KKR

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Clinisupplies Limited (“Clinisupplies”), a leading manufacturer and supplier of continence care consumables, today announced the acquisition of the Aquaflush transanal irrigation (“TAI”) business from Renew Medical Inc. and Renew Medical UK Limited, a US and UK manufacturer of continence products (together “Renew”).

The acquisition of the Aquaflush TAI range will enable Clinisupplies to expand its offering to include bowel management products, while also supporting patients living with chronic bowel issues through its nursing services.

Clinisupplies continues to integrate fast growing businesses, strengthening its position as a leading UK based direct-to-consumer chronic care company, providing continence care products and nursing services that helps support the NHS. Earlier this year, following an investment by funds managed by KKR, Clinisupplies announced the acquisition of Great Bear Healthcare, a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of urinary continence care products for managing acute and chronic conditions in the community.

Paul Cook, CEO at Clinisupplies, commented: “The Aquaflush business is a perfect fit with Clinisupplies’ purpose of helping people with continence issues to live more freely through the products and services we provide. It is our ambition to continue broadening this range of products and services in order to reach more consumers and healthcare professionals and to better support their needs. We are excited to add the Aquaflush range to our portfolio and to continue building on our growing position in the UK and around the world.”

Jason Tate, CEO at Renew, commented: “We have been delighted with the success Renew has enjoyed in recent years, and for the growing number of people who rely on the innovative range of Aquaflush TAI products. We are excited to see the next phase of development for the range and the growing support for Aquaflush users under the team at Clinisupplies.”

KKR invested in Clinisupplies through KKR Health Care Strategic Growth Fund II, a $4.0 billion fund focused on investing in high-growth health care companies. KKR has a long track record of supporting health care companies globally, having invested approximately $19 billion in the sector since 2004.

About Clinisupplies

Clinisupplies is a manufacturer and supplier of medical appliances specialising in continence products for managing acute and chronic conditions. Employing over 500 people in the UK, China and India, Clinisupplies provides its products to the NHS and delivers direct to patients’ homes through Clinidirect, its dispensing appliance contractor.

Clinisupplies is focused on developing products which are simple and discreet to use. Its product development team works with clinicians and patients to develop a strong product pipeline to be manufactured at its CE, ISO, US FDA approved facilities.

Please visit www.clinisupplies.co.uk for further information.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

FGS Global
Alastair Elwen / Sophia Johnston
Telephone: +44 20 7251 3801
Email: KKR-Lon@FGSGlobal.com

Source: KKR

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Nordic Capital-backed Sunrise Medical completes strategic acquisition of Ride Designs

Nordic Capital

Sunrise Medical, a world leader in advanced assistive mobility solutions, is pleased to announce its strategic acquisition of Ride Designs, a renowned industry leader in premium custom seating systems for wheelchair riders. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Sunrise Medical’s custom seating offerings, clinical expertise, and service capabilities, perfectly complementing the extensive range of manual and powered mobility products Sunrise Medical already offers.

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Denver, USA, Ride Designs has built its reputation as an industry leader in designing and delivering highly specialised seating systems for wheelchair riders.

In recent years, Ride Designs has also been successfully developing, implementing, and optimizing the advanced 3D printing technologies for mass production of such highly customised products.

The company has thrived by adhering to a set of core principles backed by the in-depth expertise of its founders Tom Hetzel and Joe Bieganek, and the heritage from the prosthetics and orthotics industry, which include direct rider engagement through the Aspen Seating Clinic. In addition, the portfolio of Ride Designs benefits from evidence-based product and technology development supported by broad collaborations and research with reputable institutions and universities. This ensures that the company’s leading-edge innovations are always well integrated with user centric approach and science backed data.

The unique market reach of Ride Designs, through extensive clinical education and certification of skilled complex rehabilitation technology clinicians and providers, also demonstrates a steadfast commitment to clinically differentiated solutions that are optimized to personalized customer care.

Thomas Babacan, President and CEO of Sunrise Medical, said: “We’re very excited to welcome Ride Designs into the Sunrise Medical family. We firmly believe that this acquisition has high strategic importance and offers mutual benefits for both parties. By joining forces with Ride Designs, Sunrise adds a high-end custom seating offering to our Seating and Positioning product portfolio, similar to RGK for the manual wheelchairs range and Magic for the power wheelchairs range.”

“The acquisition not only addresses and significantly expands the broad spectrum of seating and positioning requirements for wheelchair riders worldwide, but also brings valuable clinical expertise and advanced 3D printing technologies and competences into the Group. Together with Ride’s seasoned management team and highly skilled workforce, Sunrise Medical now has an even stronger product range, clinical expertise, and operational competences to offer the best suited seating solutions to all wheelchair riders. This optimises their mobility in terms of clinical functionality, comfort, posture, and skin integrity,” Babacan added.

Tom Hetzel, CEO and Co-Founder of Ride Designs, said: “We’re thrilled to become part of the Sunrise Medical group. Ride Designs has always been dedicated to helping wheelchair riders achieve the best possible fit to enhance their quality of life. This aligns seamlessly with Sunrise Medical’s mission of improving people’s lives. Ride Designs and the Aspen Seating Clinic have long been pioneers in specialised seating development. We’re especially proud of our latest 3D printing technology manufacturing capabilities.”

He added: “We’re very passionate to bring our advanced, clinically differentiated solutions to as many riders as possible. The strengths of the two companies complement each other very well. Sunrise Medical’s existing comprehensive mobility offering, global sales networks, business resources, and infrastructure will significantly accelerate Ride’s global outreach and expansion. We’re committed to providing uncompromising solutions to address skin and postural challenges, and we believe that Sunrise Medical is our strongest partner in achieving our mission.”

Ride Designs adds to Sunrise Medical’s strong track record in M&A which is a key pillar in its business strategy. Recent successful strategic acquisitions in 2022 include The Helping Hand Company, a UK-based company specializing in pressure management and pediatric products, and Budapest-headquartered NOW Technologies, a technological research and development company focusing on digital and software innovations of wheelchair control systems.

In 2020, Sunrise Medical also acquired James Leckey Design, along with its subsidiaries Firefly Friends and Vida Global, a global leader in specialized pediatric therapeutic devices, as well as Oracing, a Spanish designer and manufacturer of innovative made-to-measure sports wheelchairs and power assist products. With the Ride Designs acquisition, Sunrise Medical and Ride Designs aim to revolutionise the world of custom seating and further empower wheelchair riders to live their lives to the fullest.

For more information, please contact:
Carol Liu
Senior VP Corporate Development & Strategic Marketing, Sunrise Medical
e-mail: carol.liu@sunmed.com

About Sunrise Medical
Committed to improving people’s lives, Sunrise Medical is a world leader in design, manufacturing and distribution of innovative, high-quality assistive mobility products and services. Distributed in 130+ countries under its own 17 proprietary brands, the key products include manual and power wheelchairs, power assist products, motorised scooters, seating & positioning systems, and daily living aids. Operating in 23 countries, Sunrise Medical is headquartered in Malsch, Germany, and employs 2,600+ associates worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.sunrisemedical.com

About Ride Designs
Sharing in that commitment to improving people’s lives, Ride is committed to creating wheelchair seating systems that help protect skin, enhance mobility, improve function, and optimize posture. Ride Designs hosts the Aspen Seating Clinic at our Denver, Colorado headquarters where world class athletes and Paralympians, as well as the most discerning of wheelchair riders, come for seating solutions. With its beginnings in 1998, Ride Designs has expanded its presence across North America and beyond.

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Virgin Pulse and HealthComp Announce Intent to Merge to Create Comprehensive Employer Health Platform

New Mountain Capital

Joining forces to improve health outcomes, lower costs, and empower members through a next generation health technology and data platform

New Mountain Capital, Marlin Equity Partners, Blackstone and Morgan Health to back combined entity, the industry’s first Health Platform-as-a-Service

Providence, RI, and Fresno, CA, September 27, 2023 – Virgin Pulse, a leading global digital-first health, wellbeing, and navigation company, today announced its intent to merge with HealthComp, a next generation benefits and analytics platform. The merger will create a technology and data powered health platform-as-a-service organization poised to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges. The combined entity will aim to improve health outcomes and lower costs for members and employers by empowering better information and decision making. By using an advanced technology and data platform that leverages AI, the combined organization will deploy innovative and flexible health plan designs that drive improved member health outcomes, engagement, and awareness across the most important aspects of a person’s healthcare journey.

As the healthcare industry evolves, the desire for an integrated experience in the employer- sponsored benefits ecosystem has grown exponentially. This combination will create a set of assets that will integrate plan design, plan management, payment integrity, health navigation, preventative care, and digital therapeutics through the Homebase for Health user-centric platform. Together, the combined entity expects these assets will create a better experience and lower costs for members and employers, while providing expanded opportunities for insurers and brokers to continue to partner with the combined entity.

“This combination with HealthComp creates a new category in the health space that will change the way employers address the two-fold challenge of reducing costs and improving member outcomes. Our two companies have a shared mission to improve individual outcomes by engaging users early and often, and making health and wellbeing more accessible, affordable, and personal for all,” said Chris Michalak, Virgin Pulse CEO. “Together, we are addressing a problem that has plagued the industry for years – a misaligned, complex benefit structure that results in unmet needs and escalating costs. We are eliminating waste, friction, and preventable risks by putting members and their needs at the center of the ecosystem.”

“Self-insured employers pay for almost half of the nation’s healthcare expenditures and now require more innovative and affordable solutions,” said Chad Harris, HealthComp CEO. “With concierge-level service, rich analytics, and expert medical cost management, HealthComp ensures that employers can make informed benefits decisions that align with the needs of their employees and businesses. Powered by Virgin Pulse’s daily wellbeing engagement and data- driven personalization, this transaction creates an end-to-end platform that will radically lower costs and improve member outcomes.”

“The combination of Virgin Pulse and HealthComp creates the first national Value-Based Care platform company focused on Employee Health & Outcomes. We are excited to work with Morgan Health, Blackstone, and Marlin, to bring innovation at scale to this market,” said Matt Holt, President, Private Equity and Managing Director at New Mountain Capital.

“We have been working to build an innovation platform company in the employer space for more than five years. This transaction represents a significant milestone by forming a leading platform-as-a-service company focused on delivering better outcomes and greater affordability,” added Kyle Peterson, Managing Director at New Mountain Capital.

“The employer-employee health landscape is ripe for change and the mission of the combined HealthComp and Virgin Pulse is aligned with Morgan Health’s mission to improve the quality, equity and affordability of employer-sponsored health care,” said Dan Mendelson, CEO of Morgan Health.

Upon closing of the transaction, Chris Michalak will serve as CEO of the combined entity, where he will continue building upon the Homebase for Health vision and expanding the value proposition for clients and the market at large. The combined entity will serve more than 20 million members and address costs for more than 1,000 self-insured employers. HealthComp’s powerful analytics will also benefit Virgin Pulse’s health plan and health system clients by providing closed-loop data on health outcomes and the true ROI of investing in member experience and wellbeing programs.

The merger is expected to close in Q4 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of all closing conditions under the definitive agreement. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. HealthComp is backed by New Mountain Capital and Virgin Pulse is backed by Marlin Equity Partners. New Mountain Capital will be the majority owner of the combined entity. Blackstone Credit has committed to support the deal with strategic financing.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to HealthComp. HealthComp’s legal counsel was Ropes & Gray LLP. Evercore acted as financial advisor to Virgin Pulse, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and McDermott Will & Emery LLP serving as legal advisors.

About Virgin Pulse

Virgin Pulse is a leading digital-first health, wellbeing, and navigation company that empowers organizations across the globe to activate populations, improve health outcomes, and reduce spend in an era of accelerating cost and complexity. Virgin Pulse’s Homebase for Health® connects data, people, and technology to deliver high tech, human touch experiences that engage and reward individual journeys. Virgin Pulse impacts over 100 million people across 190 countries by helping Fortune 500, national health plans, and many other organizations change lives – and businesses – for good. For more tips and insights, connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

About HealthComp

HealthComp, a New Mountain Capital company, has a customized and responsive approach to health benefits administration. We advocate for our members to get the best possible care suited for their unique needs. Our next generation benefits and analytics platform brings together concierge-level service, best-in-class operations, powerful analytics, and expert medical cost management. HealthComp integrates seamlessly with any benefits ecosystem to drive a personalized experience that delivers higher clinical outcomes at lower costs.

HealthComp has offices in California, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit https://healthcomp.com.

About New Mountain Capital

New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with over $45 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit https://www.newmountaincapital.com.

About Marlin Equity Partners

Marlin Equity Partners is a global investment firm with approximately $9 billion of capital commitments. The firm is focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses across multiple industries where its capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources significantly strengthen a company’s outlook and enhance value. Since its inception, Marlin, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed over 200 acquisitions. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an additional office in London. For more information, please visit www.marlinequity.com.

About Morgan Health

Morgan Health is a JPMorgan Chase business unit focused on improving employer-sponsored health care. Through its investments and the advancement of accountable care, Morgan Health is working to improve the quality, equity and affordability of employer-sponsored health care for JPMorgan Chase employees, their families and the U.S. health system. The business is led by Dan Mendelson, CEO of Morgan Health, reporting to Peter Scher, Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Morgan Health is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Visit www.morganhealth.com.

About Blackstone

Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $1 trillion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow @blackstone on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

Media Contacts

Virgin Pulse

HealthComp

HealthComp Marketing Team

healthcompmarketing@healthcomp.com

New Mountain Capital

Dana Gorman / Matthew Butler

H/Advisors Abernathy

dana.gorman@h-advisors.global / matthew.butler@h-advisors.global

Marlin Equity Partners

Morgan Health

Blackstone

Matthew Anderson / Kate Holderness

matthew.anderson@blackstone.com / kate.holderness@blackstone.com

Intech and Lenkbar announce merger

Montagu

In a landmark move set to transform the orthopedic industry, Intech, a global leader in Medical Device manufacturing, is thrilled to announce that is has acquired Lenkbar LLC, Florida-based innovative Cutting Tool expert.

This strategic partnership establishes a worldwide entity that combines broad capabilities in precision machining with unmatched expertise in grinding of cutting tools, setting new standards in quality, innovation, and customer service.

 

“I am very excited about this union of forces and the endless possibilities it holds for our customers. Together, we are poised to advance minimally invasive surgery, cutting tools, and sports medicine, as we continue to push boundaries and articulate the future of Healthcare.“ Laurent Pruvost, President & CEO, Intech.

I am very excited about this union of forces and the endless possibilities it holds for our customers.

Laurent Pruvost, CEO, Intech

As a leading Medical Device manufacturing powerhouse, Intech has grown globally to become one of the most recognised Contract Design and Manufacturing Organization (“CDMO”) in Orthopedics.

Offering a true one-stop-shop platform, the company has been instrumental in supporting its customers around the globe with custom design and manufacturing of instruments, implants, cases and trays, as well as 3D-printed solutions. Intech’s dedication to delivering top-notch quality devices has earned the Group, backed by Montagu, an esteemed reputation in the industry.

The addition of Lenkbar and its articulated FlexMetric® technology to the Intech family pushes the Group’s offering to new heights. With an additional 30,000 sq.ft. facility in Naples, FL., Lenkbar adds vertically integrated capabilities that span from gun-drilling to grinding, taking drills, taps and handheld devices all the way to cleaning, passivation, and sterile packaging.

Lenkbar’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has earned them a stellar reputation within the Trauma, Extremities and Sports Medicine space.

“Lenkbar is delighted to join the Intech group. Working with Laurent and his team will not only bolster our footprint and portfolio of solutions, but will also rapidly enable us to replicate critical processes at sister facilities.“ Erik Papenfuss, President & CEO, Lenkbar.

Lenkbar is delighted to join the Intech group.

Erik Papenfuss, President & CEO, Lenkbar

The merger of Intech and Lenkbar signifies a new era of growth and innovation in Orthopedics and beyond.

By combining strengths and expertise, the new group will deliver an unparalleled suite of products and services that are redefining the standard of care for patients around the world, from design and manufacturing to cleaning, passivation & sterile packaging.

Intech and Lenkbar will be exhibiting jointly at EuroSpine & NASS next month. The team looks forward to revealing a shared vision for the future and exploring new opportunities for tomorrow.

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