Vanda SvobodovaIn a strategic expansion of his empire, Czech billionaire Tomáš Krsek, through his BHM Group, has made a significant acquisition in the global laboratory equipment market. The purchase of Labflex, a leading Danish manufacturer of laboratory equipment, marks a pivotal moment in the BHM Group’s journey towards becoming a powerhouse in the laboratory equipment industry.
Strategic Expansion
The acquisition was carried out by Krsek’s German company, Köttermann Group, which is part of the BHM Group. This move is not just an addition of another company under its belt but a strategic step towards creating a synergy that will allow the group to fully leverage development and production capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to customers worldwide. Kazim Doyuran, CEO of Köttermann, highlighted the acquisition as a perfect union that promises to unlock synergistic effects in development and manufacturing.
Labflex: A European Leader
Labflex stands out as a premier player in the European market, boasting a 60-year tradition of excellence in manufacturing equipment for hospitals, research facilities, schools, and the industry. With its manufacturing plant in Denmark, Labflex brings to the table a wealth of experience and a robust product portfolio that complements the existing offerings of the Köttermann Group.
Building a Laboratory Empire
The Köttermann Group, named after the renowned Lower Saxony company Köttermann that produces furniture and systems for laboratories, is steadily building an empire in the laboratory equipment sector. Labflex is the third addition to the group, joining the Bavarian company Lab Concept, which specializes in laboratory planning and design. This expansion places Köttermann Group in direct competition with other industry giants, including the German laboratory furniture manufacturer Waldner and the American firm Kewaunee Scientific Corporation.
Beyond Laboratory Equipment
The BHM Group’s ambitions extend beyond laboratory equipment. The group has also made significant strides in the hospital business, acquiring companies that produce equipment for operating theaters, such as the German company Medifa. Last year, the group announced the creation of a new umbrella group for its medical business, named Reinsberg Group, with the long-term goal of establishing a strong group of European suppliers of comprehensive healthcare solutions.
A Diverse Portfolio
Tomáš Krsek, known for being among the group of owners of the Plzeň-based manufacturer of rail vehicles Škoda Transportation, sold the business to the PPF group in 2017 for more than eight billion CZK. Since then, Krsek has diversified his business interests through the BHM Group, venturing into the production of hospital and laboratory equipment, investing in wind parks in Finland, and engaging in the real estate sector, including industrial halls.
This acquisition of Labflex by the BHM Group underlines the Czech billionaire’s strategic vision and his commitment to building a formidable presence in the global market for laboratory and medical equipment. As the BHM Group continues to expand its portfolio, it sets the stage for further growth and innovation in the healthcare and research sectors.
