Sunrise Medical acquires RGK Wheelchairs Ltd.

Sunrise Medical is a world leader in the development, design, manufacturing and distribution of manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, as well as seating and positioning products. In November 2012, funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe (EPE), one of Europe’s leading investors in mid-market buyouts, took a majority stake in Sunrise Medical.

Today, Sunrise Medical announced that it has acquired RGK Wheelchairs Ltd. (RGK), a privately owned company based in Burntwood/Staffordshire, UK.

RGK was founded in 1988 and is the industry’s global leader in the development, design, manufacturing and distribution of high end sports/basketball wheelchairs. RGK also offers a comprehensive range of high-end daily use manual wheelchairs.

The acquisition expands Sunrise Medical’s high-end manual and sports products/technology portfolio and puts the company in a favorable position for significant further growth.

Jim Barratt, VP Commercial Operations UK, Scandinavia, Australia and AP, heading the process on Sunrise Medical’s side, states: “RGK represented a key opportunity in so many complementary ways; we simply had to make it one of us and join our group. All of us share the belief that a combination of RGK products and Sunrise’s commercial horsepower will push growth globally to the benefit of all our customers.”

Thomas Rossnagel, President & CEO of Sunrise Medical, added: “RGK is a great addition to our family of brands! Personally, I am very excited about the prospect of a united RGK and Sunrise Medical, especially leading up to the Rio 2016 Paralympics. After Switch IT in March, RGK is our second acquisition this year and we continue to be on the look-out for exciting acquisition opportunities in product lines and technology that further add to the strong growth of our core business.”

The acquisition represents yet another successful step in the implementation of Sunrise Medical’s strategic expansion plan and is evidence of the on-going participation and support by Equistone Partners Europe.

Dirk Schekerka, Managing Director Germany at Equistone Partners Europe, stated: “With the acquisition of RGK Wheelchairs, Sunrise Medical expands its portfolio and proceeds further on its growth course. The purchase strengthens the company’s lead in the sector of individual high-tech mobility products. We remain on watch for further additions to reasonably complement Sunrise Medical’s range of products.”