OMEGA PHARMA acquired by PERRIGO COMPANY

The acquisition of Naturwohl by Perrigo marks a major categorical advancement for the organization’s European self-care division. The strategic logic of this transaction hinges on a "category-entry" maneuver, merging the target’s technical operational depth in the weight management and dietary supplement space with the acquirer’s established pan-European distribution network and the commercial infrastructure of Omega Pharma. This structural alignment provides the combined entity with the marketing hardware and scientific talent necessary to address the increasing consumer demand for preventative health and nutritional optimization.

BC Partners reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Pharmathen, partnering with the company's founders who retain a minority shareholding and remain actively involved in the business. The investment thesis centres on leveraging Pharmathen's strong existing platform to pursue selective bolt-on acquisitions, accelerate new product development, and drive international expansion in the growing complex generics pharmaceutical sector. BC Partners intends to support Pharmathen in its ambition to transition from an established European champion into a global pharmaceutical player.

Qualium Investissement won the auction process to acquire IMV Technologies, beating competitors LBO France and Florac. This transaction ends the tenure of Pragma Capital (majority owner since 2010), as well as minority investors Cathay Capital and Eurazeo PME. The acquisition is supported by a unitranche debt facility provided by Ardian, representing a leverage of over 5.0x EBITDA. The strategic focus remains on international expansion.

Ceva announced the entry of Merieux Developpement (investment arm of Institut Merieux) into its capital, finalizing the syndicate for its fourth LBO. Merieux joins Asian investors Temasek and CDH Investments, as well as French funds Sagard, Euromezzanine, and Sofiproteol. The strategic rationale is to leverage Institut Merieux's scientific network to fight emerging diseases and antibiotic resistance, and to accelerate Ceva's expansion in Asia (China).

The deal involves the carve-out of Rexam's healthcare devices and prescription retail divisions, which will be acquired by Montagu Private Equity. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The strategic rationale behind the deal is to create a standalone company that can focus on the healthcare sector and leverage Montagu Private Equity's expertise and resources to drive growth and expansion. The deal is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the company and improve its market position, while also providing opportunities for innovation and investment in new products and technologies. The company's management team will work closely with Montagu Private Equity to develop a growth strategy that builds on the company's strengths and addresses the evolving needs of the healthcare market. With a strong foundation in place, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities in the healthcare sector, including the growing demand for innovative medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging solutions.

Five Arrows Managers acquired a stake in Dominique Dutscher to facilitate a partial cash-out for the founder, Dominique Dutscher. While the exact percentage was undisclosed at the time, the deal structure was a classic Owner Buy-Out (OBO), allowing the founder to secure some wealth while remaining invested to drive the next phase of growth. The transaction was financed with senior debt provided by a pool of three banks.

Air Liquide has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell its 66% majority stake in Laboratoires Anios to a consortium comprised of Ardian and the founding Letartre brothers, Bertrand and Thierry. This transaction represents a strategic spin-off for Air Liquide, allowing the industrial gas giant to refocus its hygiene activities exclusively on its German subsidiary, Schülke & Mayr. The acquisition is structured with an LBO featuring a senior debt facility and an important CAPEX line to fund future growth. The financing reflects a leverage effect of 4.0x to 5.0x EBITDA. The primary strategic rationale for the new ownership is to accelerate Anios's international footprint, particularly through M&A opportunities in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and China, moving the company toward a more globalized operational model.

Charterhouse acquired 100% of DOC Generici from a consortium of three pharmaceutical companies: Apotex (Canada), Chiesi Farmaceutici (Italy), and Zambon (Italy). The deal was structured as a Management Buyout, backing the incumbent CEO. It was financed with approximately EUR175 million in debt facilities provided by UniCredit (acting as Global Coordinator), HSBC, and Intesa Sanpaolo. The strategic aim was to professionalize the entity from a trade-owned subsidiary into an independent market leader, expanding its product pipeline and diversifying into segments like nutritional supplements.

BC Partners has successfully finalized the acquisition of a majority stake in the share capital of the target from a UK-based investment trust. This strategic transaction represents a secondary leveraged buyout designed to accelerate the organization’s shift toward electronic identification and digital monitoring technologies. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the acquirer's objective to capitalize on the increasing global adoption of mandatory livestock traceability and the rising demand for sophisticated animal intelligence solutions.

The acquisition of Péters Surgical by Eurazeo PME is a strategic move that reflects the investment firm's commitment to supporting the growth and development of medium-sized enterprises in the healthcare sector. With its strong track record of investing in medical device companies, Eurazeo PME will provide Péters Surgical with the financial and strategic support it needs to continue expanding its product offerings and increasing its international presence. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of July 2013, with Eurazeo PME acquiring approximately 90% of Péters Surgical's capital. The company's management team, including President and CEO Jean-Marc Chalot, will retain a significant stake in the business and will continue to play a key role in driving its growth and development. The acquisition is expected to provide Péters Surgical with the resources it needs to pursue its strategic objectives, including expanding its product lines and increasing its presence in emerging markets. With its strong reputation for quality and innovation, Péters Surgical is well-positioned to become a leading player in the global medical device industry, and Eurazeo PME's support will be instrumental in helping the company achieve its full potential.