Didactic Completes Strategic Acquisition of Arion, Aims for European Leadership
Deal News | Jan 28, 2025 | UI Investissement
In a significant expansion move, Didactic, a French specialist in infection risk management and infusion medical devices, announces its acquisition of Arion, a European leader in patient hygiene solutions, with support from UI Investissement, Geneo Capital Entrepreneur, and other stakeholders. The acquisition is strategically aimed at accelerating Didactic's international growth, particularly in key European markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, and aims to bolster its industrial presence in line with the France 2030 initiative. Originally founded in the Netherlands in 1994, Arion is known for innovative products like the Swash range of pre-moistened wash gloves and The Slide Solutions. Following this acquisition, Didactic expects its combined revenue to exceed €90 million, with broader distribution across 50 countries and significant international revenue growth. This transaction aligns with industry trends towards securing supply chains and localizing production in response to challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key figures such as Stéphanie Pépineau and Stéphanie Kordonian from UI Investissement and Geneo Capital Entrepreneur express strong support for Didactic's strategic direction and growth ambitions.
Sectors
- Healthcare and Medical Devices
- Private Equity
Geography
- France – Didactic is based in France and the acquisition is part of its international expansion strategy while maintaining strong roots in the French industrial landscape.
- Netherlands – Arion, the acquired company, is based in the Netherlands, emphasizing the transaction's significance in terms of cross-border expansion within Europe.
- Europe – The strategic move aims to solidify Didactic's presence in key European markets such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, making Europe the primary geographic focus.
Industry
- Healthcare and Medical Devices – The involvement of Didactic and Arion primarily in the development and distribution of medical devices and solutions for infection risk management and patient hygiene highlights this industry classification.
- Private Equity – UI Investissement and Geneo Capital Entrepreneur's involvement in financing the acquisition places this transaction within the private equity sphere, focusing on strategic investments in healthcare.
Financials
- €90 million – Pro-forma revenue of the combined group after the acquisition.
- €21.5 million – Arion's expected revenue in 2024, marking a 19% increase from 2023.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Didactic | Acquiring Company | Company | French specialist in infection risk management and infusion medical devices. |
| Arion | Target Company | Company | Netherlands-based European leader in innovative patient hygiene solutions. |
| UI Investissement | Private Equity Firm | Company | Investment firm backing Didactic's acquisition for strategic expansion. |
| Geneo Capital Entrepreneur | Private Equity Firm | Company | Co-investor in the acquisition supporting Didactic’s growth ambitions. |
| Bpifrance | Investor | Company | French government investment bank providing financial support. |
| MACSF | Investor | Company | French insurance and financial services group participating in the investment. |
| Frédéric Viguier | CEO | People | CEO of Didactic, leading the company's growth and acquisition strategy. |
| Stéphanie Pépineau | Director | People | Associate Director at UI Investissement, involved in the acquisition support. |
| Stéphanie Kordonian | Director | People | Associate Director at Geneo Capital Entrepreneur, supporting expansion strategies. |