Direct Healthcare Group Acquire Dutch Patient Handling Manufacturer United Care BV

Direct Healthcare Group have completed the acquisition of the Dutch patient handling solutions manufacturer United Care BV.

United Care BV, based in Groningen, Netherlands, have over 25 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of patient handling solutions that deliver safe, reliable and natural transfers for patients, and efficiencies and reduction of injuries for care givers. With significant patient handling knowledge, United Care continue to design, develop and manufacture innovative solutions from its state-of-the-art facility in Groningen, Netherlands.

The acquisition of United Care adds to Direct Healthcare Group’s safe moving and handling portfolio, with a combined focus on promoting movement and independence to improve quality of living for the patient. Further, customers of both United Care and Direct Healthcare Group will now have access to a greater range of solutions that enable movement and prevent the development of avoidable harms, including the recent introduction of Direct Healthcare Group’s award-winning pressure ulcer prevention portfolio to the Dutch market. The innovative patient transfer solutions that have been developed by United Care, including mobile hoists, ceiling hoists, and sit-to-stand aids, will further enhance customer choice and the quality-of-care delivery for patients and caregivers across all of the geographies that Direct Healthcare Group serves.

Graham Ewart, CEO of Direct Healthcare Group, said: “At Direct Healthcare Group, we are continually looking at ways in which we can impact quality of life for users who require transfer solutions, and as such we are excited by the opportunity that continued investment and combined expertise with United Care can bring for our caregivers and those they provide care for.”

Jan Stevenson, Managing Director of United Care, said: “United Care have developed a high level of expertise and service quality for our customer over 25 years in the industry. We’re pleased that Direct Healthcare Group share the same vision and values as us and are committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver to the highest level of quality and innovation that our customers have come to expect. Both United Care’s and Direct Healthcare Group’s combined expertise complement each other, and we’re looking forward to continued investment and development under Direct Healthcare Group.”

The acquisition of United Care BV is the latest in a strong period of expansion and growth for Direct Healthcare Group within the last 18 months, and follows on from the acquisition of Swedish-based GATE Rehab Development, Nordic and Dutch-based Handicare Patient Handling Europe, Finnish pressure ulcer prevention specialist Carital, and UK-based Talley Group Ltd.

In December 2019, ArchiMed, a leading private equity firm specialised in the healthcare industries, bought out Direct Healthcare Group, providing a significant capital commitment to continue to target strategic acquisitions. The acquisitions will have a particular focus on adding clinically effective products that further the company philosophy of advancing movement and health.