CVC Asia V acquires 100% of Sogo Medical Group Co., Ltd from Polaris Private Equity Fund V and other shareholders

CVC Capital Partners

CVC Asia V has reached agreement to acquire 100% of outstanding shares of Sogo Medical Group Co., Ltd. (“Sogo”) in mid-Feb 2024 from Polaris Private Equity Fund V (“Polaris Fund V”), managed by Polaris Capital Group Co., Ltd. (“Polaris”), and other shareholders.

Established in 1978 with the founding philosophy: “To contribute to the community and society through supporting quality medical care”, Sogo provides a comprehensive range of services relating to the management of medical practices, including consulting for medical institutions, Doctor-to-Doctor services such as career change support and assistance in launching independent practices, leasing and rental of medical equipment, operation of in-hospital restaurants/kiosks and temporary staffing. Over the years, Sogo has also developed an extensive network of approximately 740 pharmacies nationwide, including the medical malls developed and operated by Sogo to better address local healthcare provision issues. Following Polaris’s management buyout and delisting of Sogo in 2020, the company has fostered its distinctive business model through M&A and launch of Digital business and achieved sustainable growth with a long-term goal of supporting the creation of healthcare systems that enable the public to efficiently access high-quality healthcare. With the transfer of ownership to CVC Asia V, Sogo will continue to focus on key initiatives to provide high value-added functions and services to both medical institutions and patients, while further integrating the two pillars of medical support business and dispensing pharmacy business with digital business.

Yuji Kimura, Founder, President and CEO of Polaris, added: “Polaris has been fully dedicated to enhancing the corporate value of Sogo by leveraging knowledge and experience gained through numerous past investments in the healthcare sector. Over the past 4 years, Polaris has undertaken the pivotal decision to delist Sogo, successfully navigating the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic and implementing various reforms to propel the company to new heights, unburdened by any constraints. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Sogo for their tireless efforts to date and extend my best wishes to all as they embark on the next stage of growth.”

Quotes

We are looking forward to working together with Sogo as one to continue its development and expansion, while making sure we uphold the company’s long-term philosophy.

Atsushi AkaikeManaging Partner and Co-Head of CVC Japan

Atsushi Akaike, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC Japan, commented: “We believe that under Polaris’s ownership, Sogo has strengthened its existing businesses and achieved substantial growth. At CVC we have extensive experience of supporting healthcare businesses to achieve their growth ambitions and we are looking forward to working together with Sogo as one to continue its development and expansion, while making sure we uphold the company’s long-term philosophy.”

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Ajax Health Establishes Cortex, A Comprehensive AFib Ablation Technology Company, With $90 Million Investment Led By KKR And Hellman & Friedman

KKR

Cortexs fully integrated solution will include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic pulsed field ablation catheters supported by innovative mapping technology.

MENLO PARK, Calif.Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Ajax Health announced today the formation and funding of Cortex, a medical technology company developing an integrated mapping and ablation solution suite for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 30 million patients worldwide. Cortex has raised $90 million in funding commitments led by KKR and Hellman & Friedman (H&F) with participation by other investors including AI Life Sciences, an affiliate of Access Industries.

Cortex brings together expert teams with complementary innovations in electrophysiology to accelerate the continued development and clinical validation of next-generation ablation solutions and differentiated AFib mapping technology. The fully integrated solution suite is designed to enable more precise therapy planning and delivery and optimize clinical outcomes and safety for AFib patients, while simplifying workflows and improving procedural efficiency.

“Cortex’s vision is to enable more intelligent AFib treatment,” said Duke Rohlen, CEO of Ajax Health and CEO of Cortex. “We are developing solutions that prioritize precision, simplicity, and efficiency to simultaneously improve patient outcomes and lower procedural cost.”

Cortex is focused on developing diagnostic and pulsed field ablation catheters with a comprehensive mapping and navigation solution powered by Ablacon‘s innovative Electrographic Flow® (EGF) mapping technology. EGF mapping allows physicians to detect AFib sources and is designed to support personalized ablation therapy to potentially improve outcomes. The recently completed randomized, controlled FLOW-AF trial (NCT04473963) showed that EGF-guided treatment of AFib sources in persistent AFib patients improved freedom from AFib at one year post-ablation by 51% on an absolute basis compared with patients randomized to control, who received conventional pulmonary vein isolation therapy only. Ablacon’s latest Ablamap® X mapping system is 510(k) cleared. Following on the favorable results of FLOW-AF, the company has launched the RESOLVE-AF trial (NCT05883631), a large, international, multi-center clinical trial to further evaluate benefits in AFib patients and support CE mark application.

“Duke Rohlen and the Ajax team have cultivated an exceptional ecosystem of engineers and clinical experts with a clear plan to bring impactful new technology to clinical settings,” said Ali Satvat, Partner, Co-Head of Americas Health Care and Global Head of Health Care Strategic Growth at KKR. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing strategic partnership with Duke and join with a strong investor group to support Cortex as it pursues improved outcomes for cardiac arrhythmia patients.”

KKR and H&F are investing in Cortex through the Cordis Accelerator, Cordis-X, which was established in 2021 as part of their investment in Cordis, a leading provider of cardiovascular and endovascular medical devices. KKR is investing additional capital in Cortex through its Health Care Strategic Growth Fund II.

About Cortex
Cortex (CortexEP.com) is developing an advanced, seamlessly integrated, comprehensive platform for evaluating and treating AFib. The company has assembled a proven team of highly skilled and experienced engineers and clinical experts focused on bringing this innovative suite of technologies to market.

About Ajax Health
Ajax Health is a turnkey growth solution for commercial-stage medtech companies. The Ajax team draws on decades of experience as entrepreneurs, operators, and investors to create value for its strategic partners by developing product portfolios through novel business models and creative deal structures. Ajax Health is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with offices in New York CityLos Angeles, and Austin.

SOURCE Cortex

 

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Verlinvest Acquires Majority Stake in Faceland, Enabling the Leading Dutch Medical Aesthetics Brand to Accelerate Pan-European Growth

Verlinvest

BRUSSELS AND ROTTERDAM – 4th December 2023 – Faceland, a leading chain of branded medical aesthetics clinics in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, has reached an agreement with Verlinvest, the Belgian-based, family-backed evergreen investment company, for it to acquire a majority stake in the business. This new partnership will enable Faceland to accelerate its expansion within the fast-growing European medical aesthetics market and execute upon its mission of improving access to high-quality cosmetic medicine for all patients.

Founded in 2013 in The Netherlands, Faceland stands apart from competition with its unique model, which offers clinically proven aesthetics treatments at accessible price points. Faceland’s services are all delivered by qualified medical professionals that are trained in-house through the company’s proprietary training academy. Faceland’s team of plastic surgeons, doctors, and nurses complies with the highest regulatory standards in each operating region and now performs over 130,000 treatments annually across its four core markets.

With co-founders Dr. Stijn Bauland and Ruud van de Handel at the helm, Faceland has grown to become one of the first regional platforms in Europe, building on its position as market leader in the Netherlands, to own 31 clinics across Benelux and have a growing presence in Germany and Switzerland. Dr. Bauland and Mr. Van den Handel have also set up an independent foundation in the Netherlands, which aims to professionalise and broaden access to cosmetic medicine by training nurses looking to move into the field, by offering free accredited seminars and courses for any health professional interested in the discipline of aesthetics. It also publishes medical and academic research papers, including in leading international scientific journals in cooperation with the Universities of Amsterdam and Groningen.

Faceland has achieved record growth in recent years, with sales up 25%+ over the last twelve months to reach c.€40m in FY23A, and +20 clinics opening between January 2020 and today.

Ruud van den Handel, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Faceland said, “Stijn and I are proud that over the last few years, Faceland’s brand has reached a critical mass where we are recognised thought leaders in the field of cosmetic medicine and both our patients and practitioners love working with us. We are thrilled to take this growth to the next level with Verlinvest’s experienced team by our side, as we scale into new markets, unlock Faceland’s potential for even greater innovation, and realise our vision of improving access to high-quality aesthetic medicine for all.”

Faceland will work together with Verlinvest’s team, many of whom are based on-the-ground in Benelux, to grow both its network of clinics and its much-loved consumer brand over the coming years. They will draw on Verlinvest’s experience of building successful branded healthcare platforms across Europe, including current and past investments in Nesto (vet care), Bludental (dental services), Sinomedica (medical acupuncture), and Armonea (senior care). The company’s ambitious plan is focused on rolling out a large number of new clinics using Greenfield and M&A strategies, thereby bringing Faceland’s high quality of medical care to as many patients as possible at affordable prices, as well as becoming the go-to employer for talented doctors and nurses.

Julius Hugelshofer, Senior Principal at Verlinvest said, “Stijn, Ruud and the team at Faceland are revolutionising and professionalising the fragmented medical aesthetics industry, which is growing rapidly and becoming a new norm in terms of personal health. The market is ready for a branded player to raise the overall standard of care at a price point that’s accessible for customers.” Roberto Italia, CEO at Verlinvest added, “Our vision for the aesthetics field sees top-quality care and operational excellence as essential levers to engage patient-customers in innovation-driven and sustainable long-term relationships. The approach that Stijn and Ruud have managed to develop consistently with Faceland over time is fully aligned and we look forward to partnering with them to build the company into a truly pan-European platform.”

The transaction will be subject to approval from the relevant regulatory bodies and stakeholder groups. It is expected to close in Q4 2023.

+++

About Faceland

Faceland was founded in 2013 in the Netherlands with the mission of improving access to cosmetic medicine and transforming it from a niche industry into mainstream medical care. A no-nonsense team of young executives, doctors and nurses set out on this mission, ensuring Faceland’s approach was focused on quality, customer satisfaction, accessibility, and value-for-money from the start. This strategy translated into sustained growth in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany, and Faceland now has 31 clinics in its network. Further international expansion remains an essential part of their vision. True to Faceland’s mission, co-founders Dr. Stijn Bauland and Ruud van de Handel have set up a Foundation which provides free courses on cosmetic medicine to health professionals and publishes research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

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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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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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