Transaction

Clearwater advises Eqwal, who are majority owned by Naxicap Partners, on the acquisition of Steeper alongside its management team

Transaction

Eqwal acquired Steeper

Buy-side

Undisclosed

Role

Adviser to Eqwal Group on its acquisition of Steeper Group

Sector

Healthcare

Region

France & Belgium
United Kingdom

Clearwater has advised Eqwal Group (Eqwal), a developer of orthopaedic devices whose majority stake is owned by Naxicap Partners, on the acquisition of Steeper Group (Steeper), a UK-based company specialised in delivering Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) patient care, as well as a global supplier of upper limb prostheses and a strategic distributor partner for world-recognised brands.

Based in Leeds, Steeper has forged excellent relationships with its NHS partners, customers, and suppliers in the UK and overseas. The group sought a partner who was aligned with the company values, resulting in establishing a relationship with the Eqwal Group, whose ethos is 'caring for all'.

Eqwal develops orthopaedic devices intended to combat a lack of independence in people with disabilities. The group offers products such as custom-made orthotics and prosthetics and filament winding, along with a range of digital tools, enabling individuals with the ability to care for themselves and fulfil their potential.

Being part of Eqwal will bring clear benefits in sharing expertise and best practice, across a global patient care network.

CEO Paul Steeper, COO/CFO John Midgley, and the Board will remain with the business.

Eqwal health prosthetics

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a global network of patient-focused businesses. Eqwal is an ideal fit thanks to its established network of prosthetic and orthotic care providers. We're looking forward to our future journey as part of Eqwal Group.

Paul Steeper, CEO, Steeper
Eqwal health prosthetics

Eqwal is proud to welcome Steeper Group to our worldwide network of patient care service providers. We're also honoured to carry the heritage and continue the story of a company that was founded over 100 years ago! We're thrilled at the confidence John, Paul, and the Steeper team have afforded us by joining our ambitious project: To offset disability throughout the world and to build an inclusive society, whilst protecting and preserving the environment.

Jean-Pierre Mahé, CEO, Eqwal

Clearwater is proud to bring French-based Eqwal Group and UK-based Steeper together, another demonstration of our strong international reach. We knew that Eqwal was looking for an orthotics and prosthetics entry point into the UK. Eqwal is a natural home for Steeper and we are confident that the combination will bring significant benefit for both businesses in the future. We wish them all the success.

David Weavers, Partner, Clearwater

Advisers

Transactions