Well-known life sciences investor joins Mercia

HENLEY-in-Arden-based investment firm Mercia Fund Management has brought in healthcare sector specialist Peter Dines as investment director, head of life sciences.

He will work alongside three other heads of sector and investment directors at Mercia.
 
Dines brings with him two decades’ experience of the healthcare sector, having founded and run a number of healthcare technology businesses.
 
Notable successes during his career include turning around obstetrics equipment firm Surgicraft, a company that saw sales quadruple under his leadership. It was subsequently sold to ISIS Equity Partners.
 
He also founded spinal and orthopaedic medical technology business Surgi C Group and distribution platform Newtech Ortho, both of which were subsequently acquired by private equity firms.
 
Dines holds several directorships across a range of life sciences businesses, including pharmaceuticals firm Cisiv, ultrasound service provider Diagnostic World and Spring Active, a company that delivers self-management programmes for those suffering long-term back pain.

Mark Payton, managing director of Mercia Fund Management, said: “Peter brings significant experience and specialist expertise to the growing team at Mercia.

“He is highly regarded for his track record in identifying opportunities and growing value rapidly through hands-on management in businesses in the medtech and life sciences sector.

“His remit across the life sciences sector will focus specifically on medtech, contract services and diagnostics.”
 
Dines said: “I believe the offering of Mercia fund structures combined with expert support to assist growth is a very attractive proposition to early-stage technology companies.

“I am very much looking forward to using my past experience to help create new high-growth businesses in the life sciences and healthcare sector.”