H.I.G. Capital Buys Majority Stake in Vítaly

H.I.G. Capital, a prominent global alternative investment firm, has finalized an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Vítaly, a leading Spanish provider of occupational health and safety services. This strategic move is set to create a dominant player within the Iberian and broader European workplace safety sector. The transaction sees Artá Capital and Corpfin Capital divesting their majority stakes, marking a significant shift in the ownership structure of the established firm.

The integration of Vítaly with Grupo Avanta, another key entity in the occupational risk prevention field, is a central objective of this acquisition. This consolidation aims to leverage the combined strengths of both organizations to enhance service offerings and expand market reach. The founders of Vítaly, Andrés López and Jesús Nieto, will continue to lead the integrated entity as Chief Executive Officers, underscoring their commitment and integral role in the company's future growth. They will be instrumental in overseeing the operational integration and strategic direction.

Vítaly, with over 25 years of operational history originating from Extremadura, has established itself as a frontrunner in regulatory compliance, occupational health, and safety consulting. The company boasts an impressive operational footprint, serving approximately 150,000 clients and safeguarding the well-being of 2.5 million workers. Its infrastructure includes 190 company-owned centers and 100 mobile units dedicated to health assessments, reflecting its substantial capacity and commitment to accessibility. This extensive network and consistent performance have solidified Vítaly's reputation for excellence and profitability in a competitive market.

The previous majority shareholders, Artá Capital and Corpfin Capital, have supported Vítaly's transformation journey, focusing on sector consolidation and the early adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence applications. Artá Capital, a seasoned Iberian-focused private equity firm founded in 2008, has a track record of investing in mid-market companies and facilitating their expansion. Similarly, Corpfin Capital, with its origins dating back to 1990, is one of Iberia's most experienced private equity players, known for its collaborative approach with management teams to drive growth.

The combined entity is expected to pursue ambitious growth objectives, including international expansion and the development of innovative digital services powered by AI, aimed at improving worker well-being and corporate safety standards. This forward-looking strategy aligns with the increasing demand for sophisticated health and safety solutions in the modern workplace. The leadership team, including Vítaly's founders and the management of Avanta, alongside Josep Pla (founder of Avanta) and representatives from private equity firm MCH, will form the new group's Board of Directors, guiding its strategic initiatives.

This transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including European Commission clearance for concentration control and Spanish foreign investment approvals, before its finalization. The deal was supported by a consortium of advisors, with Arcano Baird, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, and Garrigues advising the sellers, while H.I.G. Capital received counsel from Alvarez & Marsal, Cuatrecasas, Ernst & Young, and Paul, Weiss.