Gimv joins forces with CNP to accelerate the global expansion of Equine Care Group

• European listed private equity investor Gimv and Belgian family-owned investor CNP announce the signing of definitive agreements under which Gimv will acquire an indirect minority stake in Equine Care Group (ECG) from CNP, which will remain ECG’s lead strategic partner.
• By joining CNP, Bencis, the founders, managers and the veterinarians, Gimv becomes part of a very strong shareholder base united behind one ambition: to accelerate ECG’s development into the world’s leading one-stop partner for high-quality equine medicine, and to reinforce ECG’s position as the global leader for veterinary innovation, welfare, and professional excellence.

Created in 2021 by merging Dr. Tom Mariën’s leading equine clinic EquiTom, Global Medics, and Dr. Frederik Bruyninx’s Ambulatory Care practice, Equine Care Group  has evolved into a leading European provider of high-quality equine care. ECG offers equine hospitals, ambulatory veterinary services, reproductive solutions, nutrition and supplement brands and specialized laboratories. Known for partnering with Olympic teams and leading stud farms, ECG treats over 50,000 horses annually and has grown quickly through organic expansion and 30+ acquisitions.

Following the partnership announcement between CNP and ECG earlier this year, Gimv now joins through a joint entity that will retain majority ownership, with CNP as lead strategic partner. Gimv is committed to further support ECG’s global expansion alongside CNP and CEO Dr. Tom Mariën.  ECG’s vet-led unique holistic model brings together leading veterinarians and other equine healthcare professionals, invests in greenfield hospitals in regions lacking access and focuses on research, education and innovation, all with the clear goal of delivering the best possible medical care and improving horse welfare worldwide.

With the combined support of CNP, Bencis and now Gimv, ECG is well-positioned to cement its leadership in global equine healthcare, leveraging Belgium’s deep equestrian tradition and ECG’s international reputation for excellence and sustainability.

Bart Diels, Managing Partner – Head of Healthcare at Gimv: “As a team with a strong track record in doctor-led healthcare growth stories, we see clear parallels between ECG and our previous healthcare success stories. We are excited to support CNP and ECG’s management in accelerating the group’s international expansion and innovation in equine care.”

Xavier Le Clef & David Caudron – respectively CEO and CFO at CNP: “We are pleased to welcome Gimv as a minority investor, supporting ECG’s international growth. Gimv’s healthcare expertise complements CNP’s ambition and reinforces our shared mission to deliver world-class equine care and make this available all over the world.”

Dr. Tom Mariën & Julie Santens – respectively CEO and Managing Director at ECG: “We are delighted to welcome Gimv into our team. We share the same values, the same DNA and the same ambition. This partnership strengthens our foundations, and Gimv’s renowned healthcare expertise will help us to further professionalize our company and our sector.  Together we will raise the standards of equine veterinary care while preserving our veterinarian-led model.”

This investment supports Gimv’s ambition to become a leading European private equity investor and makes ECG one of its ten largest holdings.