Utrecht (the Netherlands) – Gilde Healthcare today announced it has sold its majority stake in occupational health provider BlijWerkt to Mentha Capital, subject to approval by the Dutch Healthcare Authority. Led by Gilde, BlijWerkt has become a national player and challenger to the established occupational health providers. The successful growth of the company is the result of a differentiating proactive approach and expansion through acquisitions.
BlijWerkt is a fast-growing occupation health provider. Supporting both large organizations and SMEs in managing absenteeism by improving the vitality of organizations and their employees. BlijWerkt manages the process of employee sick leave and return to work.
Gilde Healthcare played an active role in the expansion of the company through the acquisition and integration of other occupational health providers such as Metaplanning, Re-on, Tredin and Immediator. “Gilde Healthcare is well entrenched in the healthcare market and has actively supported our growth trajectory. In a few years we have grown from a local SME service provider to a national player with large clients in our portfolio,” says Ruud Pels, director of BlijWerkt.
Gilde Healthcare reflects positively on its collaboration with BlijWerkt: “as a sector specialist with an active growth strategy, we have been able to add a lot of value,” says Hugo de Bruin, partner at Gilde Healthcare, “by investing in quality of service and the expansion of BlijWerkt towards a national player, we have created an alternative to the large incumbents. This is beneficial for both employees and employers.”
After the acquisition, BlijWerkt will collaborate with the paraDIGMA group. “By joining forces, paraDIGMA and BlijWerkt can further improve the quality and service to its customers and lay a solid foundation for further growth,” said Barend Rutten, partner at Mentha Capital.
In the sale of BlijWerkt, Oaklins acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to the sellers and Jacoline Gortzak, Legaltree, as the legal advisor.
About Gilde Healthcare
Gilde Healthcare is a specialized European healthcare investor managing € 1 billion ($ 1.2 billion) across two fund strategies: private equity and venture & growth capital. Gilde Healthcare’s private equity fund invests in profitable European lower mid-market healthcare companies with a focus on the Benelux and DACH region. The private equity fund targets healthcare providers, suppliers of medical products and service providers in the healthcare market. Gilde Healthcare’s venture & growth capital fund invests in health tech and therapeutics. The venture & growth companies are based in Europe and North America.
www.gildehealthcare.com
About BlijWerkt
BlijWerkt is the health and safety service that combines the power of the bigger players with the flexibility and personal attention of smaller players. With 120 staff, we are known as a vibrant leader, energizing employers and employees alike.
www.blijwerkt.nl
About Mentha Capital
Mentha Capital is an independent investment company that focuses on the lower-end of the mid-market in the Benelux. Mentha invests in established, medium-sized and profitable companies that have the opportunity to grow further through a buy-and-build strategy, expansion into new markets or an organizational transition. With more than EUR 400 million under management, Mentha works actively with entrepreneurs to support their companies in realizing their ambitious growth plans.
www.menthacapital.com