Lifecast Body Simulation sold to 3B Scientific
Surgical dummy producer Lifecast Body Simulation has been purchased by to anatomical education firm 3B Scientific for an undisclosed fee. The deal was identified and delivered with support from professionals at Quantuma.
Launched in 2017, Lifecast has invested heavily into the development of a range of highly accurate and lifelike medical manikins which are transforming the way medical simulation and education are delivered and absorbed. Designed and produced at Elstree Film Studios in London and in Sarasota, Florida, every manikin demonstrates a remarkable level of realism and quality.
Lifecast has been developed using a combination of expertise from paramedics, leading medical experts and the film special effects industry. As it sought to expand operations and reach new markets, the firm identified the need for external investment, and appointed Quantuma to identify a buyer.
The Quantuma team then undertook a strategic marketing process, which determined Germany company 3B Scientific to be a strong fit to accelerate the company’s growth and innovation. Following this, Quantuma also project managed the complex transaction through to completion.
Founded in 1948 in Hamburg, Germany, 3B has since grown to be the world's leading manufacturer of anatomical and biological education models. This latest acquisition enables 3B to secure access to this market-leading and complementary product portfolio, and is expected to provide Lifecast with additional resources to further invest in its product range and build on existing sales channels.
Todd A. Murray, CEO, 3B Scientific commented, “Lifecast Body Simulation is a globally recognised brand, respected for their hyper-realistic, diverse manikins, and track record of constant innovation. We are extremely excited to welcome Lifecast into the 3B Scientific family, where combined with our strength in manufacturing and distribution, we look forward to continuing our now collective mission of advancing the delivery of medical and healthcare education worldwide.”
Deal advisors
Lifecast is one of several cross-border transactions that the team has completed in the past few months. In this case, the transaction was successfully delivered by Quantuma’s corporate finance team, led by Managing Director Ian Barton and Manager Richard Hill, who were supported by Assistant Manager Tom Egan.
Barton said, “The Lifecast team has created an exceptional product range and recognition must be given to the team for this innovation, combining extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship with leading medical knowledge. With 3B Scientific, Lifecast is well-placed to take the business forward and create further advancements in the medical simulation industry. Richard and I are really pleased to have delivered this transaction – we look forward to seeing the team’s continued and combined success alongside 3B Scientific in the coming years.”
Dave Halliwell, co-founder and director of Lifecast, meanwhile added that Quantuma’s advice, support and persistence were essential and generated real value for the shareholders in what has been a complex deal. He noted that with “many intricacies to navigate,” their assistance was “extremely valuable and greatly appreciated.”
The Quantuma team worked with Adam Dowdney, Tim Cargill and Fiona Kelleher of IBB Law to deliver the transaction. Meanwhile, 3B Scientific’s executive team was supported by Gateleys Legal and Hazlewoods.
Mergers and acquisitions involving healthcare firms saw a noticeable spike in demand through 2022, with the volume of deals up almost 38% and value up 47% on 2019’s figures. In 2023, the momentum seems to have continued, as the segment defies a broader downward trend in deal volumes.