Based in Civrieux d’Azergues, to the north of Lyon, Stermed specialises in low-temperature sterilisation using ethylene oxide. This highly technical and technological procedure, which requires a number of certifications, has strong growth potential, particularly driven by the medical sector. The company offers subcontracting solutions for the treatment (decontamination and sterilisation) of medical devices (surgical instruments, implants, forceps, specula, etc.) and industrial devices (laboratory equipment). The Stermed site covers 3,200 sq. m. and is equipped with four treatment units, preconditioning chambers, desorption chambers and a microbiological analysis laboratory.
Ardian has accompanied Ionisos in its development since July 2016, most notably through its external growth.
“Only a small number of companies in France currently have expertise in low-temperature sterilisation using ethylene oxide. The acquisition of Stermed reinforces our position in this promising market segment by expanding our geographic reach towards the south of France, the north being already covered by our Gien site,” says Michel Gominet, President of Ionisos.
“We are very familiar with Stermed and its teams, whose know-how is recognised. This merger reinforces our technological and industrial platform. Our geographical proximity to Stermed is also a major advantage,” adds Christoph Herkens, Managing Director of Ionisos.
“We are pleased to be joining the Ionisos group, which will enable us to continue building on our growth together, while benefiting from the Ionisos group's expertise,” explains Matthieu Reinhardt, head of the Civrieux site.
“Ionisos is pursuing its development plan. This operation fits in perfectly with our targeted acquisition strategy. The company is establishing itself as the main player in consolidation of its market in France and Europe,” concludes François Jerphagnon, Head of the Ardian Expansion team.
ABOUT IONISOS
Ionisos is a French company founded in 1993, which manages seven plants in France, Spain and Germany. Ionisos is a specialist in ionising cold sterilisation using ionisation and ethylene oxide for the medical sector, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and food packaging. The company is also active in crosslinking of various products used in industry, particularly automotive.
ABOUT ARDIAN
Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$65bn managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world. Ardian’s investment process embodies three values: excellence, loyalty and entrepreneurship.
Ardian maintains a truly global network, with more than 470 employees working through twelve offices in Paris, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Zurich, New York, San Francisco, Beijing, Singapore, Jersey, Luxembourg. The company offers its 610 investors a diversified choice of funds covering the full range of asset classes, including Ardian Funds of Funds (primary, early secondary and secondary), Ardian Private Debt, Ardian Buyout (including Ardian Mid Cap Buyout Europe & North America, Ardian Expansion, Ardian Growth and Ardian Co-Investment), Ardian Infrastructure, Ardian Real Estate and Ardian Mandates.
ABOUT STERMED
A specialist for over 20 years in low-temperature sterilisation using ethylene oxide, Stermed offers subcontracting solutions in decontamination and sterilisation adapted to health products and more specifically medical devices. Stermed is based in Civrieux d’Azergues, just outside Lyon, and has four sterilizing chambers of various sizes (4, 10, 16 and 18 pallets).