SLS Group today announces that its ultimate shareholder will change following an agreement by LBO France to sell its shareholding in the Dutscher Group, including all SLS Group companies, to Vivo Capital, a leading global private equity firm focused exclusively on healthcare and life sciences.
LBO France has owned the Dutscher Group since 2020 and has supported a period of sustained growth, investment, and operational development across the European Group. The agreement marks Vivo Capital’s first buyout investment in Europe and demonstrates its continued expansion as a specialist healthcare investor, building on its strong presence in North America and Asia. Completion of the transaction is expected during the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
For SLS Group, the change in ownership represents continuity, stability, and a strong platform for future growth. Ian Roulstone, Managing Director of SLS Group, commented:
“LBO France has been a supportive and constructive owner, and SLS has benefitted significantly from their backing over recent years. During the sale process, we engaged with several potential investors, but Vivo Capital stood out for its understanding of our market, its appreciation of our business model, and its thoughtful proposals to support future growth.
We have had several positive discussions with Vivo Capital and are confident they represent the best possible partner for the next phase of our development. Importantly, Vivo has already approved our business plan and strategy, so the message for our customers, suppliers, and employees is very clear: it is business as usual.”
SLS Group will continue to operate under its existing management team, strategy, and brand. The day-to-day running of the business, customer relationships, and supplier partnerships will remain unchanged.
Vivo Capital plans to support the Group’s next phase of growth by strengthening sourcing capabilities, expanding global supplier access, and accelerating organic growth, alongside continued selective acquisitions across Europe.
Michael Chang, Managing Partner at Vivo Capital, said: “Dutscher is a market-leading platform with a strong European footprint and an exceptional management team. This investment reflects our conviction in the opportunity to partner with high-quality healthcare businesses through our global ecosystem and operating capabilities. Dutscher has made significant progress over recent years, and we look forward to working closely with the team to further expand the Group’s product offering, deepen its supplier relationships globally, and support its continued growth.”
While SLS Group remains firmly focused on serving its core markets in the UK and Ireland, it forms part of a broader European platform. The Dutscher Group, founded in 1982, employs over 1,100 people and generated revenues exceeding €400 million in 2025. Under LBO France’s ownership, the Group completed 13 acquisitions, including several in the UK and Ireland, and invested in new logistics infrastructure across France, the UK, and Spain.
Ian Roulstone added: “This change of shareholder is about continuity, stability, and long-term growth. We look forward to working with Vivo Capital to build on the strong platform we have today and to continue growing together.”
About SLS
Group SLS Group is a leading supplier of consumables, equipment, and chemicals to laboratories across the UK and Ireland, serving customers in research, healthcare, education, and industry. The company is recognised for its technical expertise, customer-focused approach, and strong supplier partnerships.
About Vivo Capital
Vivo Capital is a global investment firm focused exclusively on healthcare and life sciences, with a long-standing track record of supporting innovative and high-quality businesses across biopharma, medtech, and healthcare services.