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Interview: Dr. Volker Wendel, Sanoptis

Dr. Volker Wendel founded Sanoptis in 2018 in Switzerland with Carsten Horn. Six years later, the group has grown to more than 400 locations across six European countries. The group was initially backed by PE firm Telemos Capital, who then sold it to Belgian holding company Group Bruxelles Lambert (in 2022). Wendel explains to us how the group is able to add value to ophthalmologists who join the network and shares which areas the group will be focusing on in the coming years.

PAI Partners to acquire Vamed rehab clinics

French PE firm PAI Partners will become the new owner of Fresenius Vamed’s rehab business. Vamed is currently a subsidiary of German health care conglomerate Fresenius, who will continue to hold a minority stake.

EU’s AI Act gets the greenlight from the European Commission

Despite opposition, the AI Act seems to be ploughing ahead right on schedule. This week, two key groups of lawmakers - the European Commission's civil liberties (LIBE) and internal market (IMCO) committees - gave their overwhelming support for the new law, which should come into force this summer.

EU states approve AI Act

In December, European policymakers gathered in Brussels to hash out the first framework for AI regulation. Despite threats to derail it, all 27 EU member states have now given it a collective thumbs up - but concerns around overregulation, bureaucracy, and the stifling of innovation remain. 

New entrants could disrupt “tough” fertility market

The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on fertility patients, making the sector ripe for disruption. A fertility expert tells HBI cunning new entrants will be the winners while established PE could well be the losers.

New AI act could stifle EU innovation – but benefit the UK

After 38 hours of deliberation, a long-awaited deal has finally been reached in Brussels. HBI speaks to three market experts to understand what the AI Act - the comprehensive European framework for AI innovation and regulation - could mean for the future of healthcare in Europe.

iCON buys Alliance Medical

The longstanding bidding war for pan-European diagnostic firm Alliance Medical Group is over, with iCON Infrastructure confirmed as the new buyer. The £910m deal ends months of speculation. HBI asks a UK-based consultant what this means for the market.

Alliance Medical sale “imminent”

HBI hears that the longstanding sale of UK diagnostic firm Alliance Medical Group is imminent, with two bidders left in the process and pan-European operator Affidea tipped to be the front-runner. We speak to three market experts to find out more about the deal which is being valued at around $800m-$1bn.

Orpea likely looking to sell in Belgium

Orpea Belgium’s 2022 results are public, and it doesn’t look good. Having suffered a historic loss approaching €400 million last year and with Orpea looking to sell its non core business, we ask a market expert whether and when divestment there looks likely.

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