Abode Recruitment

A Healthcare company has been bought out in a multi-million-pound deal by German medical supplies giant Lohmann and Rauscher.
The German firm has bought 100% of the shares of Burton-based Activa Healthcare following six months of negotiations. The exact amount paid has not been disclosed. Despite being subject to a takeover, it is business as usual for the firm, which will retain its corporate identity, its headquarters and its 70 staff.
The deal meant the firm, which is expected to turn over about £12m this year, became part of Lohmann and Rauscher group on November 1.
Both Activa and L&R develop treatments for problems with the venous and lymphatic systems, including compression therapy hosiery and bandages which help combat pain.
Activa, which is based in Newborough Road, Needwood, is one of the fastest-growing wound-care and compression therapy companies in the UK.
The takeover caps a year in which the previously owner-managed company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the second time, celebrated its 10th anniversary and was ranked sixth in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For list.
The takeover gives L&R its first foothold in the UK market, having been operating in continental Europe for the past century.
It will also give medical professionals dealing with Activa access to a wider range of products and product training.
Rob Holder, marketing director at Activa, said: “The new company will be even more competitive, which can only be positive for our employees and our customers.
“The L&R management team was determined that it wanted our employees to remain in the business and build on their success and, reciprocally, the Activa team was keen to gain access to L&R’s expertise in manufacturing, research and development.
“There will be no changes to UK personnel and all contact details remain the same, so it’s service as usual, just stronger and more extensive.”
Activa managing director Marc Courtney said: “We’ll continue to supply and support all our current products, give heightened exposure to L&R’s existing product range and introduce future groundbreaking product developments.”
According to Activa, the deal means there will be a wider range of products for frontline healthcare workers to deal with venous health issues, which will include varicose veins, chronic oedema and ulceration.
Dr Helmut Leuprecht, chief executive officer of L&R, said: “Activa is a perfect fit for L&R, as we have the same corporate philosophy and have similar core product areas.
“Combining Activa’s existing strength as a UK market leader with our expertise and product development pipeline will provide the UK medical community with world-class treatment options and training that is second to none.”
Mr Holder said: “We strongly believe this partnership will strengthen our core values of education, innovation and service.”
Activa has said that it plans to introduce more bandages over the next few months.