PE-backed FutureLife buys Bristol fertility clinic

The Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) has been bought by private equity backed peer FutureLife Group.

BCRM, trading as Fertility Bristol, is a fertility clinic which launched in 1983. Originally established as a joint research project between the University of Bristol and Southmead Hospital, BCRM transitioned to an independent clinic in 2018. Since 2022 it has been operating from a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility in Bristol’s Aztec West providing services such as IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg freezing, donor sperm and other treatments.

It also has satellite clinics both wholly owned and as strategic partners in Bristol Spire, Bath, Cardiff, Swindon and Jersey.

Fertility services are in demand with, according to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, around 52,500 patients having IVF treatment across the UK in 2022, compared to 50,000 in 2019. This is partly down to couples deciding to start families later in life when their fertility is lower. There are also fears over low fertility rates in many developed nations such as the UK.

Prague-based FutureLife Group, founded in 2014, has over 40 clinics across eight countries. It is a leading European provider of IVF, fertility treatments, and associated genetic services and is backed by CVC Capital Partners and Hartenberg Holding. It employs 1,000 skilled team members and 450 doctors.

FutureLife chief executive Francisco Lobbosco said the UK is a key market for the group and that BCRM’s addition 'perfectly complements its presence across two Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH) clinics in central London, extending FL’s reach into the West Country'.

Dr Valentine Akande, medical director and lead clinician at BCRM said: “Joining FL is a milestone for BCRM, giving us access to strategic resources and expertise within a leading international network. This partnership will help us expand our services and continue delivering the high-quality, patient-centred care that has been our foundation for over 40 years.”

BCRM was advised by Grant Thornton’s South West corporate finance team led by director Nick Jones.
Jones said: “The BCRM brand reputation is an extremely strong one, with an unwavering commitment to medical excellence, innovation and its compassionate approach. This transaction in the fertility space represents an exceptional outcome for all parties and a high-quality addition to the FL brand.”

Law firm Gardner Leader advised BCRM’s shareholders.

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