After the acquisition of the Biopole laboratory, Ouest Biologie continues its strategy of inorganic growth by acquiring the Alliance Anabio laboratory based in Ille-et-Vilaine. Here is an explanation and analysis by the experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
Ouest Biologie now has a presence across all of Brittany. On 30 January 2025, it absorbed the Alliance Anabio laboratory, leading to a substantial expansion of its regional coverage. Ouest Biologie now comprises the twelve sites from Alliance Anabio, including three in Rennes, eight in the Rennes suburbs and one in Antrain Val-Couesnon.
Operational efficiency
Ouest Biologie has a total of 47 sites and eight technical platforms (five of which operate continuously) across the Grand Ouest region, with a presence in the four Breton departments as well as in Lower Normandy. The network’s combined turnover is now €80 million following the integration of Alliance Anabio, compared to €65 million following the integration of Biopole in March 2024. The network’s expanded size allows for efficient service delivery, with each laboratory situated less than 30 minutes from a technical platform. This enables the delivery of 90% of results on the same day. The group’s integrated approach eliminates the need for external service providers, with internal capacity for the execution of nearly all tests (99.8%, according to the group’s reports).
Offensive concentration
The network has recently adopted an ambitious inorganic growth strategy, which has involved the acquisition of competing and partner laboratories. Ouest Biologie, established in 2020, kicked off its expansion when it set up three sites in Quimper, Lorient and St-Méen-le-Grand, followed by the acquisition of a site in Hennebont. In March 2024, the group further expanded its presence through the acquisition of the Biopole network, which added three new sites in central Brittany. The group’s territorial network was further solidified with the absorption of Alliance Anabio, bringing the total number of employees to 620, including 57 medical biologists.
Independence and networking
The recent acquisition of Alliance Anabio by Ouest Biologie has resulted in the integration of its 12 biologists and 120 employees into the Ouest Biologie network, which is structured into five sub-entities. Alliance Anabio will be absorbed by the Bioémeraude laboratory, a long-standing partner of Alliance Anabio and a key entity within the Ouest Biologie network. This strategic move will not affect Ouest Biologie’s commitment to the capitalistic model, which integrates the majority of Alliance Anabio biologists into its capital through a stock swap, offering them the opportunity to participate in the capital and strengthen their position over time.
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Thanks to this new expansion, Ouest Biologie is strengthening its position among the leading independent laboratories at national level, while maintaining a strong local presence and a capacity for rapid analysis processing. The trend towards laboratory mergers is expected to continue in the coming months. The acquisition of Biopole and then Alliance Anabio by Ouest Biologie illustrates the synergies that can be achieved through greater concentration. By joining forces, laboratories are able to serve their patients quickly within a given territory. Specialised technical platforms make it possible to deliver results faster. At the same time, the group ensures the loyalty of its employees by giving them access to the company’s capital. AURIS Finance’s experts specialise in specific sectors. They will support you in the development of your business, from the identification of the target to the search for financing.
