ISIS backs duo in medical company buy-out
Article Date: May 24 2007Medical product distributor Williams Medical Supplies (WMS) has been bought by two of its directors. Chief executive Vince Kerr and commercial director Nigel Knight were backed with £10.5 million provided by ISIS Equity Partners.
ISIS’ investment, which was managed by Mark Advani, is the first from its ISIS IV fund. WMS joins ISIS’ portfolio of healthcare companies such as Care Management Group and Paragon UK. The deal was supported with debt authorised by National Australia Bank.
The business was sold by Robin Williams, who retires 21 years after establishing the company. He is to remain with WMS for six months as a consultant.
Kerr, who has worked at the company for 14 years, says: ‘This is a great opportunity for WMS – we’re well placed in the market and in a strong growth phase. The plan to double the size of the business looks achievable.’
WMS, which is based in South Wales, supplies products such as pharmaceuticals, consumables and medical equipment as well as providing support and practice management services. Its clients are predominantly GPs but also include pharmacies, the NHS, nursing homes and family planning centres.
In the year to July 2006, the company reported a £1.3 million profit after tax from a £41.3 million turnover.