Goodwin Advises on Gimv's Strategic Expansion with Unizell Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 17, 2025 | Goodwin
The renowned private equity firm Gimv, listed on Euronext Brussels, recently executed a critical transaction by acquiring Unizell Medicare GmbH and its subsidiaries, subsequently merging with the previously Gimv-acquired Medi-Markt Group to form the Liveo Group. Goodwin's Private Equity and Finance team, led by partner Winfried M. Carli, spearheaded this transaction's financing stages. With this strategic merger, Liveo Group aims to offer a holistic range of domestic care products and services throughout Germany, including incontinence products and diabetes care, among others. Preceding this merger, Gimv had acquired Medi-Markt in 2018, aiming to expand its healthcare portfolio. Under the management of Managing Partner Jrgen van der Smissen, Unizell has become a respected full-service homecare provider, known for its customer-oriented products and services. This merger is expected to bolster Liveo's workforce to over 450 employees and align its annual revenue with a combined figure of approximately EUR 150 million. The synergy aims to bolster market positioning and continue the offerings' development across Germany.
Sectors
- Private Equity & Investment Management
- Healthcare & Medical Devices
- Consumer & Retail
Geography
- Germany – Both Unizell and Medi-Markt—and now Liveo Group—are operating within the German market, providing services and products for domestic care.
- Belgium – Gimv is a Belgian private equity firm, listed on Euronext Brussels, reflecting its origin and operational headquarters.
Industry
- Private Equity & Investment Management – This industry is directly involved due to Gimv's role as a private equity company managing the acquisition and merger of Unizell and Medi-Markt.
- Healthcare & Medical Devices – The newly formed Liveo Group's core offerings, focused on domestic care including incontinence and diabetes products, underline the importance of the healthcare sector.
- Consumer & Retail – Both Medi-Markt and Unizell provide consumer products for domestic care, placing their operations within the consumer sector.
Financials
- EUR 150 million – The combined annual sales revenues of the newly formed Liveo Group.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gimv | Private Equity Firm & Buyer | Companies | Gimv is a leading European investment company listed on Euronext Brussels, involved in various sectors including healthcare. |
| Unizell Medicare GmbH | Target Company | Companies | A German-based healthcare company providing a wide array of products and services for homecare. |
| Medi-Markt Group | Merged Company | Companies | Previously acquired by Gimv and recently merged with Unizell to form Liveo Group. |
| Liveo Group | Newly Formed Company | Companies | The result of the merger between Unizell and Medi-Markt, focusing on comprehensive domestic care solutions. |
| Goodwin | Legal Advisor | Companies | A law firm that advised on the financing aspects of the transaction. |
| Winfried M. Carli | Legal Partner | People | Partner at Goodwin who led the deal team. |