Karomed offloads gel cushion brand for vulnerable people
Stockport-based Karomed has sold its Transflo Cushion brand to rival Direct Healthcare Group.
Karomed manufactures and supplies a wide range of pressure care products, including mattresses, beds, chairs and cushions, along with other complementary services to meet the needs of patients and carers in the NHS and private healthcare sectors.
The Transflo Cushion has been in the pressure care market for more than 30 years and is one of the UK’s leading high-risk gel cushions used in acute and community care settings.
Direct Healthcare, is based in Caerphilly, South Wales, is a well-known manufacturer of pressure care products.
The Transflo Cushion deal is its third bolt-on acquisition since private equity firm NorthEdge Capital backed a management buyout in April 2016.
Partner Nigel Barratt and corporate finance manager Ben Bradley of HURST Corporate Finance have advised Karomed.
Bradley said: “The Transflo Cushion is an extremely popular and proven product which has significant potential for growth.
“Its sale will enable the Transflo brand to achieve its full potential and allow Karomed to focus on its other products.
“I’m certain that the Transflo brand will go from strength to strength globally under the ownership of Direct Healthcare.”
Karomed managing director Emma Teasdale said: “We have been extremely proud of the development and popularity of the Transflo Cushion within the UK market.
“Direct Healthcare can now take this a step further.”
Graham Ewart, chief executive of Direct Healthcare, said: “The acquisition of the Transflo Cushion range enables DHG to offer Transflo customers an enhanced provision of service and product quality through our ISO 13485 accredited business management system.”
Andrew Skinner, investment manager at NorthEdge Capital, said: “The team at DHG has continued to grow the business both organically and through the acquisition of specialist products and brands.
“This latest deal adds to the group’s diverse portfolio and supports further its growth in the healthcare market.”
