London, UK – Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced that it has co-led a consortium of investors to provide a financing solution of €1.1 billion to support the future growth of Ottobock (the “Company”), the global market leader in prosthetics. The financing will also support existing majority shareholder Professor Hans Georg Näder and the Näder Family’s buy back of EQT’s 20% shareholding in the business.
Headquartered in Duderstadt, Germany, with origins dating back more than 100 years, Ottobock is widely recognised for its innovative and market leading solutions in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, dedicated to helping customers globally to strengthen their independence and maintain their quality of life. Ottobock, which has remained family-owned since inception, has more than 400 of its own patient care centres worldwide, providing a diverse range of high tech and customizable devices designed to help amputees’ mobility. The Company has sat at the forefront of industry innovation, evidenced by the introduction of the first micro-processor enabled knee as early as 1997. It has maintained its global market leadership position through a continuous focus on innovation and R&D, delivering cutting edge products in 135 countries. The Company currently employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide.
Carlyle Global Credit manages $188 billion in assets under management, as of December 31, 2023. It regularly pursues investments in privately negotiated capital solutions for both private equity sponsored and family or entrepreneur-owned companies.
Taj Sidhu, Head of European and Asian Private Credit, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Näder family and the outstanding Ottobock management team. This transaction sits at the core of our strategy of providing flexible capital solutions to family-owned businesses that are leaders in their field. Ottobock has been a pioneer and champion for innovation in prosthetics and orthotics and we look forward to partnering with such an inspiring business on the next stage of its growth journey for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Professor Hans Georg Näder said: “My family and I are delighted to have been able to agree this financing with such a high-quality group of lenders. My team and I very much look forward to working with Carlyle and the group over the coming years and I am confident that with their support Ottobock’s future growth is assured.”
About Carlyle
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $426 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2023, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,200 people in 28 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.
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