News Article

Leading European private equity firm Exponent is acquiring Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare provider Kingsbridge Healthcare Group (KHG).

The Candesic team, led by Dr Leonid Shapiro, provided operational due diligence to Exponent, with an emphasis on looking at the potential for extra capacity in the business.

Exponent says the investment will be used to scale the company’s operations and advance its mission to provide world-class medical services to patients across the island of Ireland.

The deal marks Exponent’s eighth platform investment in Ireland, its first in Northern Ireland, and “underscores its long-standing commitment to partnering with founder-owned, market leading businesses”.

KHG offers a comprehensive range of medical treatments and services in surgery and diagnostics from its four hospitals and eleven medical centres across Belfast and Ballykelly in Northern Ireland, and Sligo in the Republic of Ireland.

When the deal completes, KHG co-founders Dr. Suresh Tharma and Mr. Ashok Songra will continue to hold a significant stake. Exponent is backing the incumbent management team led by Chief Executive Mark Regan. Dr. Tharma will become chair of KHG’s board.

David McGovern, Partner at Exponent, said: “Kingsbridge is a special business, doing important work in a differentiated way. The strength of the company’s culture and patient focus was apparent to us on our first visit to Kingsbridge Belfast. Through its high-tech facilities and thoughtful operating model, Kingsbridge is strategically well positioned to address the growing demand for healthcare services in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland.

“We look forward to working closely with Mark and his impressive team to build on its success in the coming years by investing in its capabilities, expanding its presence, and exploring new growth initiatives. Together, we will strengthen the company’s crucial role in supporting the island’s healthcare network.”