Ardian enters into exclusive negotiations to acquire majority stake in Lagarrigue group

Lagarrigue specializes in the design and tailor-made manufacturing of major orthopedic equipment, such as prosthetics and orthotics, for patients suffering from permanent or temporary disability. Founded in 1976 and led by Alain Montean, President, and Jean-Pierre Mahé, Managing Director, the Group has 33 agencies in France and employs more than 400 people. In 2016, the Group should achieve a turnover of more than €50 million.

Thanks to its strong expertise, the Group has developed a unique model of disability support, based on:

• Specialization on both the design and manufacture of innovative major orthopedic equipment, such as prosthetics, orthotics, corsets and molded seats;
• Local proximity with patients thanks to its internal orthopedist team, which allows it to tailor its equipment and respond to its customers’ needs during its treatment;
• Integration of the latest technologies, both to improve manufacturing processes with Rodin 4, the software solution designed internally and to produce the best components and materials. 

Alain Montean and Jean-Pierre Mahé, respectively President and Managing Director of Lagarrigue, said: “After five years of strong growth thanks to constant support from Azulis, we needed a new strong partner to pursue our ambitious development strategy. With Ardian, we will benefit from the expertise and international network to enter into a new phase of development.” 

Christine Mariette, Azulis Capital, said: “Our work with Lagarrigue is a good example of a successful partnership between a financial investor and a consumer-facing company, particularly as it evolves in the disability sector. We are proud to have supported the management in their development. The will to surpass themselves, the team spirit and ambition have allowed a local SME to become a leading player with a strong potential for development.” 

Marie Arnaud-Battandier, Managing Director Ardian Expansion France, added: “Lagarrigue’s success is primarily due to the quality of its team, the performance of its agency network and the know-how the company has developed on this leading offer. There are numerous opportunities in this highly fragmented market and we look forward to supporting this company to continue its development, both in France and abroad, thanks to the support of Ardian’s resources and network.“ 

This will be the third acquisition completed by Ardian Expansion Fund IV, which closed in June.