Cerba HealthCare, leading player in medical diagnosis, together with Partners Group, and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP Investments”) have entered into exclusive discussions with EQT Private Equity to enable the Company to pursue its long-term innovation services strategy and enhance services for patients and the medical community.

Cerba Healthcare, headquartered in France and firmly established in Europe and Africa through its historical routine and speciality biology expertise, also operates globally through its clinical trials business unit for the validation of new compounds and vaccines. It stands as a unique group in the diagnosis market, covering the needs for diagnostic tools and expertise for patients, physicians, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.

With this new partnership, Cerba HealthCare reinforces its capital structure with its existing shareholders -more than 400 long-time biologists and managers- and its long-term partner, PSP Investments, to sustain the Group’s development strategy and current transformation.

Catherine Courboillet, CEO, Cerba HealthCare, states: “Over the past four years, Partners Group has shown a comprehensive understanding of our market and unwavering support in sustaining Cerba HealthCare’s growth strategy. In order to continue to fulfil the Group’s long-term development, we are excited to welcome a partner that shares the same vision and values, as well as a strong understanding of the importance of cutting-edge, personalised services. It is critical to keep on investing heavily in innovation, IT security and talents in order to drive further and faster our ongoing transformation towards better healthcare services for patients. With EQT, we have chosen an experienced partner that will strengthen our European positioning while helping us expand into new markets.”

Nicolas Brugère, Partner, Investment Advisor at EQT Partners and Head of EQT France, comments: “EQT has followed Cerba HealthCare for a long time and we are deeply impressed with the company’s unique platform for medical diagnoses and superior scientific expertise. Cerba HealthCare is a purpose-driven company with a culture that is well-aligned with EQT’s values and we are happy to partner with its management team and with PSP Investments. EQT Private Equity is committed to investing in and future-proof Cerba HealthCare for the long run to best serve patients and healthcare professionals.”

Kim Nguyen, Partner, Private Equity Services, Partners Group, adds: “Cerba HealthCare operates in an important sector and we are proud to have successfully contributed to the sustainable growth strategy of the Company over the last four years. In line with Partners Group’s focus on positive stakeholder impact and entrepreneurial governance, Cerba HealthCare has not wavered in its commitment to responding to the COVID-19 crisis. During our holding period, the Company has transformed into a market leader, penetrating new international markets, including in Africa and Italy, further consolidating its expertise in clinical trials and securing leadership in the veterinary biology sector. We are convinced Cerba HealthCare is poised for lasting success and that, after our strong and collaborative partnership, it is the right time and opportunity for all stakeholders that the Company move into its next phase of growth.”

Simon Marc, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Private Equity, PSP Investments, said: “Since our initial partnership with Cerba HealthCare in 2017, the company has gone from strength to strength, and we are excited to continue supporting Catherine and her talented management team as long term-partners. We look forward to welcoming EQT who has been one of PSP Investments core partners for many years, and who brings tremendous expertise in European healthcare. Together, we will provide the long-term strategic capital to support Cerba HealthCare in achieving its full potential through its next phase of development as a European leader in medical diagnostics.”

Following the completion of the deal, which is subject to administrative notifications and regulatory approvals, EQT Private Equity and PSP Investments will work with Cerba HealthCare’s management team, led by CEO Catherine Courboillet, to support the numerous growth opportunities of the business. These include the continuation of the Company’s highly successful M&A strategy on a global scale, as well as the acceleration of organic growth and development in other segments.