Leeds’ Healthcare 21 becomes £134m-turnover group with latest acquisition

Irish healthcare company Healthcare 21 (HC21) Group has completed its acquisition of medical product supplier Aquilant Limited.

The deal, confirmed this morning (October 31), makes HC21 the biggest privately owned healthcare sales and marketing specialist in the UK and Ireland.

The combined business has a turnover of €150m (c.£134m) and employs 450 staff across sites in the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Germany and Austria.

HC21 acquired Basingstoke-based Aquilant from H2 Equity Partners, which will remain a substantial minority shareholder in the newly expanded business.

Founding directors Owen Curtin, Tara Kearney and David Frederick will continue to lead the group.

Chairman Owen Curtin commented: “There is a huge consolidation opportunity in European healthcare – a company wanting to distribute in the EU has to do deals with multiple distributors.

“We have major plans for expansion in Europe, both organic and by acquisition.”

He continued: “The combination of Aquilant and HC21 represents a fabulous opportunity. The scale of our now expanded Healthcare 21 Group and the experience and talent of our people will ensure significant growth and success for all involved. I look forward to us realising this potential together.

“Aquilant is an ideal addition to the Healthcare 21 Group and offers an expanded product portfolio in many exciting therapy areas that Healthcare 21 previously did not serve including cardiothoracic, spinal, orthopaedic and neurosurgical specialties.”

HC21’s UK headquarters is in Leeds.

Speaking further, Mr Curtin said: “In addition, the Aquilant business infrastructure with a substantial UK presence will ensure that both companies can maintain focus on their current plans and continue to deliver world class outcomes for our customers.”

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