Orion finds healthy fit with Femcare

Orion Medical Supplies, a niche distributor of harm-reduction medical devices, has been sold to Femcare in a £3.6million deal advised by KBS Corporate.

Incorporated in 2012 and based in Bicester, Orion provides kits designed to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections, drug-related litter, overdose injuries and deaths, and the negative social impacts associated with drug use.

Orion works with charities, NHS England, Public Health Wales, Public Health Scotland and local councils, while also exporting to several European countries.

In a transaction advised by Jacob Lord, KBS Corporate Associate Director, Orion has been sold to Femcare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Utah Medical Products, Inc (UTMD).

Shaun Hazlett and Salv Picillo, the owners of Orion, decided to retire and following a transition period, the company’s business operations will be moved into Femcare’s existing facilities in Romsey, Hampshire.

Femcare specialises in delivering high-quality solutions in the fields of gynaecology, general surgery and urology. Although the products Orion distributes are not complementary in terms of their medical use, the two businesses have highly compatible commercial and distribution channels.

“This is the kind of acquisition that makes sense for UTMD,” said Kevin Cornwell, CEO of UTMD. “A stable, profitable and affordable business with well-accepted products in a specialised market niche with some growth potential, where distribution to customers can be leveraged.”

KBS Corporate’s Jacob Lord thanked K3 Law, a fellow K3 Advisory Group company, for their legal work on the transaction.

“I’m delighted to conclude the sale of Orion to UTMD. It was a pleasure working with all parties throughout this transaction, in particular Shaun and Salv,” said Jacob.

“From the outset, they were responsive, pragmatic and fully committed to achieving a successful outcome. Their openness, willingness to engage constructively with all parties and ability to deal with issues quickly and efficiently were instrumental in maintaining momentum and overcoming challenges as they arose.

“The transaction represents a fantastic synergistic acquisition for UTMD and will no doubt add further capabilities to an exciting group of companies undergoing rapid expansion.

“I wish all parties the best of success moving forward.”

Written by

Jon Wilde

Senior Content Specialist

Jon Wilde is a Senior Content Specialist at KBS Corporate, specialising in business sales, mergers and acquisitions, exit planning and corporate finance. Since joining the group in 2023, he has researched and written extensively on topics including private equity, Employee Ownership Trusts, due diligence, business valuation, tax considerations and M&A market trends. Drawing on insights from experienced advisers, dealmakers and industry specialists, Jon produces research-led content for business owners and also reviews content across the website to help maintain editorial quality, accuracy and consistency.