HBI Spotlight

 

The new way to consolidate?

Consolidation has been the primary way that PE-backed private health care groups have grown in Europe. A lot of the low hanging fruit has now been picked. But canny investors are adopting new models to open up new consolidation opportunities.

A bright future for Finnish providers

Positive results from three Finnish healthcare giants indicate the market is on an exciting trajectory. Janne-Olli Järvenpää, CEO of Mehiläinen, the largest of the three groups, explains the opportunities for both outsourcing and private-pay - and how independent operators can make the most of booming demand in what may be Europe's "most advanced healthcare market in terms of private-pay".

German hospital sector turmoil may ultimately benefit for-profits

For-profit hospital groups in Germany are not immune to the cost pressures which are causing many public hospitals to become insolvent. But the CEO of Germany’s fourth largest group, Ameos, tells us the restructuring of Germany’s hospital sector is necessary, and that for-profit groups may ultimately benefit by gaining greater market share.

UK pharmacists given green light to prescribe as primary care can’t cope

Pharmacists in the UK now have the right to prescribe for common ailments such as sore throats and earaches. In France, Ireland and Portugal pharmacists also have some prescribing rights and similar initiatives may be introduced in other European countries in the near future. Is this a solution to the GP workforce shortage? And will it be a good thing for private hospital and private primary care groups?

Vamed and Median could merge to create rehab giant

Two of the largest rehab groups in Germany could be merged in what looks set to be one of 2024's biggest European health care services deals. Dutch PE firm Waterland Private Equity, which has owned Median Kliniken since 2014, is reportedly the front runner in the sale of Fresenius Vamed's rehab facilities.

Big Greek exits rumoured, despite strong market

Rumours of a big hospital sell-off have started circulating in Greece, with Farallon (formally main creditor of and now main shareholder in Euromedica) and Luxembourg-based PE firm CVC (Hellenic Healthcare Group hospitals) both potentially looking to exit. The moves could trigger a wave of deals.

German prospects in 2024: Twice the bankruptcies, half the investment

Between stark drops in investment, the prospect of mass nursing home bankruptcies, and the German Hospital Association warning insolvencies could double in 2024, Germany’s healthcare market is becoming the sick man of Europe. HBI asks a cohort of market experts how the patient is doing, and whether there is a cure.

Is 2024 the year of recovery?

As we kick off the new year, HBI speaks to healthcare market experts across a variety of countries and subsectors, and hears what they think is in store for 2024. An election-heavy year could herald changes – but will any be enough to stave off the challenges of workforce, inflation, and soaring costs?

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