Orpea, Europe's second largest nursing home group by revenue, has agreed to buy Irish group FirstCare in a purchase reportedly worth more than €100 million. Orpea will become the largest private care home operator in Ireland by bed number.
The French nursing home sector has produced some of the largest consolidators in Europe, such as Orpea and Korian. But even small groups are looking at international expansion. Almage, a group with just six homes and 530 beds dedicated to Alzheimer care, plans to hit Spain in the next few months and is looking at other European markets. Marc Saillon, the CEO of Almage Alzheimer Centers, also tells us that the group has expanded into consultancy in China.
Recovery in the Nordic social care market is happening slower than expected as provider Ambea expects a hit on revenues and profits in Q1 to continue in the second quarter. Sweden has been particularly badly hit with EBITA down in both its elderly care and disabled care segments.
EU countries have already earmarked over €47bn euros to spend on health care from the €672bn Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the continent's centrepiece of COVID-19 recovery. Digital innovation, primary care and long-term care are clear spending priorities across the board. We should know the full allocations next week.
Orpea, the pan-European care home operator, has continued its drive to become the number one player in the Irish nursing home sector. Local operator Virtue, which is majority-owned by French operator Emera, is also expanding its market share.
Few investors have been as active in healthcare services as Nordic Capital. Or as ambitious in building pan-European platforms in outpatient sectors such as dentistry, veterinary and ophthalmology. Raj Shah is also looking for new deals - Nordic has just raised a massive €6.1bn for its tenth fund of which 30-40% is destined for healthcare.
Private sector penetration of care home markets varies across Europe. This week's infographic shows how care home ownership divides between the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors in European countries.
Healthcare Business International users cookies to improve the functionality, performance, and effectiveness of our communications. Detailed information on the use of cookies is provided in our Cookies Policy. By continuing to use this site, or by clicking "I agree" you consent to the use of cookies.