Press release
Lummen, February 5, 2021
Equine Clinic Equitom and Bencis Capital Partners join forces to establish the Equine Care Group
Equitom, the world-renowned Belgian Equine Hospital, is partnering with private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners.
Since its foundation in 2002, Equitom has grown to become a European leader in complex equine medical care, with customers from more than 60 countries. The collaboration with Bencis will make Equitom’s founder and equine surgeon Dr. Tom Mariën’s dream for national and international expansion come true.
Belgium plays a leading role in the European and international equine business and horse-trade, by organizing major equine events and delivering high quality breeding products. Further professionalization of the equine sector, including equine medical care, is imperative to continue to fulfil this influential role.
Further professionalization of the equine sector, including equine medical care, is imperative to continue to fulfil this influential role.
Dr. Tom Mariën (founder & CEO of Equitom): “This partnership is unique in the Belgian market and will allow us to make the most out of our enormous growth potential. Thanks to the collaboration with Bencis, our company has not only found a strong and solid financial partner, which will allow us to continue investing in state-of-the-art medical equipment, but also a strategic partner to help realize the desired expansion. Within the Equine Care Group, I will fulfil the role of CEO and also continue to be the head of the surgery department. I am surrounded by a team of equine veterinarians who are amongst the best in the world. Together, our 50 people-strong team is at the basis of the clinic’s success. I am convinced that this partnership and the investment in the growth of Equitom will lead to further improvements in the medical care of our patients and customer service.
Robert Falk (partner at Bencis) and Matthias Vermeersch (managing director at Bencis): “We are very pleased with this partnership and are proud to be part of Equitom’s future. Under the inspiring leadership of Tom Mariën, Equitom has evolved to be a world-renowned symbol of top-quality service in equine medicine. As a team, we are committed to the further expansion of Equitom’s solid foundation. In addition to organic growth, through the expansion of the hospital in Lummen, there are also specific plans to open new clinics in Belgium and neighbouring countries. Furthermore, we aim to strengthen the Equine Care Group through acquisitions.”
The first expansion of the Equine Care Group is in collaboration with Dr. Frederik Bruyninx. Frederik is not only the official veterinarian of the Belgian national show jumping team, but also has a large number of renowned Belgian and international stables in his client base. He has years of clinical experience and has extensive knowledge with regard to the examination, treatment, and follow-up of sport horses of the prime segment and is therefore a valuable addition to our group.
