Key success factors in small-cap healthcare LBOs: a case study on the leveraged buyout of Medifox DAN

This thesis investigates the main drivers of value creation in small-cap healthcare leveraged buyouts, a segment of growing relevance within the private equity landscape. While large-cap deals have traditionally relied on financial engineering, the findings of this study suggest that successful outc...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Gassó de Broto, Beatriz, Pantín, Julia
Tipo de recurso: tesis de maestría
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/443598
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/443598
Access Level:acceso embargado
Palabra clave:Venture capital
Private equity
Small business -- Finance
Small-cap LBOs, Healthcare PE, Value creation, Medifox DAN
Capital de risc
Capital d'inversió
Empreses petites i mitjanes -- Finançament
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Economia i organització d'empreses
Descripción
Sumario:This thesis investigates the main drivers of value creation in small-cap healthcare leveraged buyouts, a segment of growing relevance within the private equity landscape. While large-cap deals have traditionally relied on financial engineering, the findings of this study suggest that successful outcomes in smaller transactions are more often rooted in operational improvements and strategic positioning. Through an in-depth case study of Medifox DAN, a German healthcare software company, the research illustrates how moderate leverage, digital transformation, and targeted acquisitions can significantly enhance business performance and attractiveness to strategic buyers. Although an initial regression analysis on a broader sample of transactions provided limited statistical significance, the case study offers concrete insights into how financial structure, internal optimization, and market consolidation interact to create sustainable value. The conclusions point to the importance of a hands-on investment approach and long-term strategic vision, particularly in regulated and fragmented sectors like healthcare.