Ouest Biologie, an independent network of laboratories based in Brittany and Normandy, has acquired Biopole, a medical biology laboratory based in Morbihan. The experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions, explain this latest step in the consolidation of the medical biology sector.
Ouest Biologie has confirmed its leadership position in western France. The group of laboratories has just acquired Biopole. The biology and medical analysis laboratory has announced a turnover of €8.5 million for 2024, in addition to the turnover generated by Ouest Biologie. The combined entity of Ouest Biologie and Biopole is projected to generate sales exceeding €65 million by the end of 2025. The acquisition of Biopole, a laboratory valued at between €15 and €20 million, was financed by raising €50 million from six banks, supplemented by a contribution from the associated biologists. This strategic financing could potentially open up opportunities for further acquisitions.
Building team loyalty
This strategic acquisition signifies Ouest Biologie’s emergence as one of the foremost independent laboratories in France. The two founders of Biopole, Céline Morvan-Viet and David Huet, have sold their entire stake to Ouest Biologie. Céline Morvan-Viet, who is approaching retirement age, will remain with the new organisation as a self-employed worker, while David Huet will reinvest part of the sale proceeds to become a partner in the new entity. To retain in-house talent, the group has introduced a special shareholding model. Biologists can now acquire a stake in the capital. Over time, they will have the opportunity to increase their holdings, with the aim of achieving a 50/50 split between partners. This strategic acquisition brings the group’s total workforce to 500, including 40 biologists.
Synergy effects
Ouest Biologie is based on a cooperative model. The independent regional grouping was established in 2020, following a merger between four laboratories. The group has subsequently expanded its operations with the opening of three new laboratories in Quimper, Lorient and Saint-Méen-le-Grand. In 2023, Ouest Biologie acquired Bachy Laboratory in Hennebont, Morbihan. The acquisition of Biopole has enabled Ouest Biologie to establish a comprehensive network in Brittany. Ouest Biologie has expanded its operations, increasing the number of sites from 31 to 34. The company has established five technical platforms, designed to perform routine biology tests and a range of cutting-edge specialities. Each technical centre is dedicated to specific specialities: Assisted reproductive technologies, molecular biology and prenatal screening for Down Syndrome are carried out at the Lorient-Scorff centre, while autoimmunity, allergology, infectious serology and bacteriology are carried out at the Tinténiac centre. This organisational structure enables the group to provide local expertise, particularly for routine and emergency analyses in biochemistry, haematology and microbiology.
Our experts at your service
In the coming months, the trend towards mergers between laboratories is set to continue. The acquisition of Biopole by Ouest Biologie demonstrates the potential synergies that can be realised through consolidation. By grouping together, laboratories are able to serve their patients rapidly within a given area. Specialised technical platforms facilitate the delivery of results, enhancing efficiency. At the same time, the group ensures the loyalty of its employees by giving them access to its capital. In a sector undergoing major changes and with high investment stakes, growth through consolidation means that local roots can be maintained. AURIS Finance’s experts are specialised by sector. They can help you develop your business, from identifying targets to finding financing.
