Healthcare group swoops for orthopaedic footwear company

West Yorkshire-based Kenward Orthopaedic has been acquired by Ability Matters Group.

Established in 1993, Kenward Orthopaedic is an orthopaedic footwear company in Leeds, with particular focus on manufacturing products for NHS patients.

The company also has expertise in designing and manufacturing stock, modular and bespoke footwear, and has invested significantly in the latest technology and production methods.

Ability Matters Group is an international healthcare products and services provider, specialising in mobility and accessibility including orthotics, prosthetics and wheelchairs.

Headquartered in Oxfordshire, the group has clinics throughout the UK and Ireland and manufacturing sites across the UK and the Netherlands, including Sheffield and Bradford. The group operates internationally, with distributors based in Europe and beyond.

Kenward Orthopaedic will become part of Ability Matters Group to support its vision to become a European leader in innovation, manufacturing and supplier of prosthetic and orthotic products.

Simon Kenward, managing director of Kenward Orthopaedic, will remain in his current role to lead business operations with the existing team in Leeds.

RSM UK advised on the sale of the business. The RSM deal team was led by corporate finance partner Steve Hubbard, with support from corporate finance manager Jonny Bywater, corporate finance associate Joe Holt, and RSM’s tax team (Steve Brown, Chris Etherington and Camilla Taylor).

Mills & Reeve provided legal advice to Kenward Orthopaedic, led by partner Paul Johnson and Vanessa Walton.

Steve Hubbard, corporate finance partner at RSM, said: ‘We are pleased to have supported Kenward Orthopaedic on this transaction, which has brought together two closely aligned businesses, each with a strong reputation in the healthcare manufacturing market.

“Simon has developed a very efficient and customer focused business which I am sure will continue to thrive’.

Simon Kenward, managing director at Kenward Orthopaedic, said: ‘We are excited to join the Ability Matters family of companies.

“Their vision is to become a European leader in innovation, manufacturing, and the supply of prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as clinical services fits in with the Kenward mission.

“I will continue to lead Kenward’s operations alongside the existing team in Leeds, ensuring our customers will continue to receive the exceptional service they have come to expect.”

Stephen Murphy, CEO of Ability Matters Group, added: “I am pleased that Kenward Orthopaedic will be joining the Ability Matters Group. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Simon and the entire Kenward team.”

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