Specialised Orthotic Services sold to Drive Medical
Medical equipment manufacturer and developer Drive Medical Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Drive International LLC, has acquired Specialised Orthotic Services Limited, in a deal managed by M&A advisor BCMS.
Specialised Orthotic Services Limited (SOS) is an assistive technology company, specialising in the design, development, manufacture and supply of innovative, postural support systems and associated mobility equipment. First established in 1980 by Gordon McQuilton MBE, SOS is regarded as the UK market leader in its field, with an industry-wide reputation for unique, bespoke, manufacturing capabilities and product innovation. At the time of the transaction in 2015, the company employed 70 members of staff at its premises in Tutbury, Staffordshire.
“BCMS really understood how important this decision is for an owner” – Gordon McQuilton MBE
SOS supplies assessment services and specialist seating equipment to NHS Wheelchair Services Centres, as well as direct to end-users’ homes and to schools. SOS undertakes approximately 6,500 disabled client assessments annually, and supports special seating clinics for around 50 of the 150 NHS Wheelchair Services Centres across the UK.
The acquirer, Drive Medical Limited, is the UK arm of one of the world’s fastest-growing major manufacturers and distributors of durable medical equipment in the home healthcare, medical/surgical and rehabilitation markets. Based in Elland, West Yorkshire, Drive Medical is part of an operation with corporate offices and distribution facilities in the UK, USA, Germany, France, Romania, China, Canada and Taiwan, marketing over 2,500 product lines on a global basis.
Deal commentary
Harvey P Diamond, Chairman and CEO of Drive Medical stated: “The acquisition of SOS extends our already significant presence in Europe and expands our portfolio of products in the specialised seating and rehabilitation market. This is a strategic acquisition for the Drive family of companies, and complement’s Drive’s U.S. Wenzelite line of mobility and seating products for children and adults. With the acquisition of SOS, Drive Medical has acquired a highly professional management team under the outstanding leadership of Gordon McQuilton MBE.”
Gordon McQuilton, founder and Managing Director of SOS said: “Here at SOS we put our customers and clients at the heart of everything we do. Our passion is to provide an effective and caring service and we are very proud of the excellent reputation we have achieved over the past 30 plus years. We are absolutely thrilled to be starting a new and exciting chapter as part of the Drive Medical family of companies.”
