Nordic Capital to sell Mölnlycke Health Care to Apax Partners Funds
21st April 2005
Apax Nordic Capital and other major shareholders have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Mölnlycke Health Care to funds advised by Apax Partners. NorNordic Capital and other major shareholders have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Mölnlycke Health Care to funds advised by Apax Partners.
Nordic Capital and other major shareholders have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Mölnlycke Health Care to funds advised by Apax Partners. The sale will enable the further development of one of the world's leading manufacturers of single use surgical and wound care products
Nordic Capital was instrumental in creating Mölnlycke Health Care in 1997 through the simultaneous acquisition and structural merger between the Clinical Division of Swedish SCA and Finnish Tamro's Kolmiset Division. During Nordic Capital's ownership the company has developed strongly and evolved into a large global player. This includes extensive restructuring for improved profitability and substantial growth including the 2001 acquisition of Johnson & Johnson's surgical care products, in all essentially tripling the size of the business. 2004 brought improved profitability, a stronger cash flow and reduced debt making it the most successful year in the company's history
"Mölnlycke Health Care has had an impressive development during Nordic Capital's eight year ownership. We initiated the creation of the company and have since supported its development into a leading global player. The management has done a fantastic job in growing the business, developing its product offering and turning the company into one of the leaders within its markets with strong profitability. Apax will offer Mölnlycke Health Care support for further industrial development combined with financial strength," says Ulf Rosberg, Partner at Nordic Capital.
"It has been exciting and a privilege to have been able to create Mölnlycke Health Care under Nordic Capital's ownership. The health care market is expanding and offers continued opportunities for further growth," says Finn Johnsson, President and CEO of the company. "I am now pleased to see that the right purchaser could be found for Mölnlycke Health Care. After successfully establishing the company globally, the new owner will now further support our global growth. They also have substantial experience from the healthcare sector and from international acquisitions, which I think is vital."
"This purchase is appealing both from an industrial and a financial perspective for Mölnlycke Health Care. Apax Partners has a dedicated international team focused on investing in and working with healthcare companies. In particular, we have significant experience in growing companies internationally in the single use surgical and wound care markets. We are confident of a bright future for Mölnlycke Health Care within the Apax Partners' portfolio of complementary companies. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support its future development," says Ian Jones, Partner, Apax Partners Worldwide LLP.
Closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of European and US competition authorities.
Apax Partners was advised by Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. Debt financing to support the transaction is being provided by Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank.
For more information, please contact:
Ulf Rosberg
Partner
Nordic Capital
T: +46 8 440 50 50
Finn Johnsson
President and CEO
Mölnlycke Health Care
T: +46 31 722 30 00
Ben Harding
Head of Communications
Apax Partners
T: +44 20 7872 6300
Nordic Capital is a leading private equity firm focusing on
investments primarily in the Nordic middle-market arena. The firm
has a strong investment track record, an extensive network of
contacts and firsthand knowledge of local industries and business
practices. Since its inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested
in more than 60 Nordic based companies operating in a range of
segments and sectors. Nordic Capital's proven investment strategy
creates value by actively implementing key value drivers such as
new industrial combinations, strategic repositioning and
internationalization. A range of leading Nordic and international
institutions are investors in Nordic Capital funds.
www.nordiccapital.com
Mölnlycke Health Care is one of the world's leading providers of
single-use surgical and wound care solutions to the professional
health care sector. The surgical assortment is marketed under three
brand names, BARRIER®, Klinidrape® and ProcedurePakTM and the wound
care assortment under the brand name Tendra®. Total annual sales
are at present €477 million and the group has about 4,000
employees. Manufacturing takes place in five factories located in
Finland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Thailand and Mexico. Sales
and marketing is carried out in four market areas; Europe/Middle
East/Africa, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific,
altogether comprising 25 subsidiaries and a number of international
representation offices.
www.molnlycke.com
Apax Partners is one of the world's leading private equity
investment groups, operating across the United States, Europe and
Israel. Apax Partners has raised or advised approximately $20
billion around the world. With more than 30 years of direct
investing experience, Apax Partners' Funds provide long-term equity
financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. It pursues
a multi-stage equity investment strategy, investing in late
venture, growth capital and buyouts. Apax Partners' Funds invest in
companies across its 6 chosen global sectors of telecommunications,
IT, retail and consumer, media, healthcare and financial/business
services.
www.apax.com