Medical Devices Outsourcing and Manufacturing Momentum

The outsourced medical device market continues to attract strong investor interest despite sector challenges, such as the destocking trends seen in 2023-2024 and persistent geopolitical uncertainty, slowing deal activity. High levels of capital to deploy, combined with maturing investments, are driving private equity appetite. Similarly, strategic investors are continuing to execute on their M&A growth plans and pursue synergistic transactions.

Lincoln International’s dedicated medical devices team leverages deep expertise and robust industry relationships to deliver successful outcomes in this dynamic market. Lincoln’s recent transactions reflect four key trends shaping the medical device outsourcing market.

Summary

Key Themes in Medical Device Outsourcing and Manufacturing

First Key Theme in Medical Device Outsourcing and Manufacturing

Criticality of technical capabilities, high growth segments and customer bases

Strategic buyers and PE firms are increasingly targeting acquisitions with 1) technical complexity, whether in design and engineering and / or manufacturing; 2) exposure to high-growth sub-segments; and 3) high-quality customer bases. In today’s macroeconomic environment, investors are discerning and seek acquisitions with differentiated services and product portfolios.

Second Theme in Medical Device Outsourcing and Manufacturing

Investing in complementary capabilities with unique expertise

Complementary capabilities are driving strategic buyer interest, while niche expertise can boost valuation. For example, automation expertise that can be leveraged across existing operations can drive efficiencies and unlock increased synergies.

Third Trend in Medical Device Outsourcing and Manufacturing

Enhanced importance of supply chain resiliency

The pandemic-era supply chain disruptions continue to underscore the need for strategic resiliency in procurement. Global dynamics such as tariff fluctuations and geopolitical events impact medical device outsourcing businesses to various degrees. While investors expect this, companies with scalable operations and vertical integration are generally better positioned to weather these uncertainties.


Fourth Trend in Medical Device Outsourcing and Manufacturing

Shifting geography preferences

Low-cost manufacturing is nothing new in the sector. However, geopolitical and economic volatility have heightened investor interest in geographies that provide both low-cost operational benefits and reduced political risks, such as India. Although some U.S.-based manufacturers are exploring onshoring opportunities, significant operational shifts are unlikely to materialize in the short term.

Recent Lincoln Momentum

Despite increased diligence scrutiny in M&A processes, attractive assets can still attain strong outcomes. Consolidation opportunities remain in the sector, and M&A volume is predicted to rebound once overall market uncertainty improves. Reach out today to discuss themes in the medical device outsourcing space or to learn more about Lincoln’s recent transactions.

Lincoln’s expertise and deep market knowledge are reflected in the success of several recent transactions, including:

Medical Devices Outsourcing and Manufacturing: HealthEdge has sold LifeSync to Amphenol

LifeSync is a leading vertically integrated provider of patient monitoring connections and contract manufacturer of medical cables. The company’s state-of-the-art, automated facilities offered scalable and cost-optimized solutions that accelerate time to market for medical device companies.

Relevant Themes:  Second Theme: Investing in complementary capabilities with unique expertise  Third Theme: Enhanced importance of supply chain resiliency

Medical Devices Outsourcing and Manufacturing: Adroit USA has been sold to Arterex, a portfolio company of InvestIndustrial

Adroit USA Inc, a vertically integrated contract manufacturer specializing in complete medical devices. With two ISO 13485-certified manufacturing facilities in India along with an engineering applications development lab California, Adroit USA serves clients spanning startups to Fortune 500 clients.

Relevant Themes:  First Theme: Criticality of technical capabilities, high growth segments and customer bases  

Medical Devices Outsourcing and Manufacturing: Crédit Mutuel Equity has sold Technoflex to Adagia Partners

As a pioneer in IV drug delivery solutions, Technoflex has built a reputation for innovation, providing high value-added products and services to blue-chip pharmaceutical, biotech and CDMO clients. Positioned in the premium segment of the market, Technoflex generates more than 50% of its sales in the U.S.

Relevant Themes:  First Theme: Criticality of technical capabilities, high growth segments and customer bases   Third Theme: Enhanced importance of supply chain resiliency

Medical Devices Outsourcing and Manufacturing: Hobson & Motzer has been sold to Vantedge, a portfolio company of Aterian

Hobson & Motzer is a manufacturer of consumable precision medical devices for the global surgical stapler market. With highly automated facilities and a technically advanced platform, Hobson & Motzer is uniquely positioned to serve blue-chip OEM clients.

Relevant Themes:  First Theme: Criticality of technical capabilities, high growth segments and customer bases   Second Theme: Investing in complementary capabilities with unique expertise

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