Two Of The UK’s Leading Mobility Product Manufacturers Combine

The corporate team at the Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised West Midlands-based Sunrise Medical Holdings Limited on its acquisition of RGK Wheelchairs.

Sunrise Medical, which is a world leader in the development and manufacture of innovative, high-quality mobility products and services, has purchased Staffordshire-based RGK Wheelchairs Limited from its existing shareholders for an undisclosed sum.

Launched in 1988, RGK is a bespoke wheelchair company founded by former paralympian Greg Eden and wheelchair basketball player Russel Simms.

The company makes wheelchairs for athletes across the world, including the eye-catching Union Jack covered chairs used by Great Britain’s London 2012 paralympic basketball team.

Thomas Rossnagel, CEO Sunrise Medical said: “RGK will play a vital role in Sunrise Medical’s strategy of expanding further into the global high end sports and active manual wheelchair market place. I am very excited as to what the future brings. RGK has a strong and dedicated team of people headed up by an excellent management team who will continue to run the business with the new support, resources, and experience we have at our disposal.”

Nick Dawson, corporate partner at the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell advised Sunrise Medical on the deal, assisted by Nick Little.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to have worked on this deal. There is an excellent fit between the two companies and this acquisition will strengthen Sunrise Medical’s market position not only in the UK, but further afield.” Nick Dawson - Partner

David Williams, Head of the Corporate and Commercial team at Keelys LLP acted for the shareholders of RGK Wheelchairs. KPMG Bristol provided financial due diligence to Sunrise Medical.