Ruth Lee Ltd acquired by Protect Medical as part of strategic growth plans
Ruth Lee Ltd, a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of training manikins, has been acquired by Protect Medical, a fast-growing consolidator in the emergency medical care industry, owned by German private equity house Borromin Capital.
Founded in 1994 by Ruth Lee, the company has earned a reputation for excellence in rescue training equipment design and manufacture, with more than two-thirds of its products now sold in international markets, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Under the leadership of Paul McDonnell, who joined the company in 2016, Ruth Lee Ltd has experienced sustained growth both domestically and abroad. The business now employs more than 30 people, mostly from the local North Wales community.
The business has been recognised for its innovative contributions to the industry, most recently being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation in 2024, highlighting the outstanding achievements of the business.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Ruth Lee’s journey, bolstering its capabilities for continued growth and innovation.
Paul McDonnell, CEO of Ruth Lee, said: “We are thrilled to be joining the strong portfolio of businesses and brands under Protect Medical. We believe we have found the ideal partner to help us fulfil our potential to grow in new markets and sectors and to take advantage of the many synergies across the group. With the imminent launch of our mixed reality technology, the timing couldn’t be better”.
Antonio Ciardella and Andreas Harms, the CEOs of Protect Medical, added: “We are very pleased that Protect Medical is joining forces with Ruth Lee. With Paul McDonnell (CEO of Ruth Lee), the group gains another experienced manager with an extensive international knowledge. His insights will provide valuable support for the group’s strategic decision-making”.
The transaction was facilitated by a dedicated team of advisors, including Gregg Pendlington and Ross Thomas from Dow Schofield Watts Corporate Finance.
Gregg Pendlington, partner at Dow Schofield Watts Corporate Finance, said: “The deal represents a great result for all involved. It is the culmination of a life’s work for the Lee family and introduces a brilliant partner for the business and its employees in Protect Medical, who will provide a platform for its continued prosperity, led brilliantly by Paul McDonnell. We had a significant amount of interest from parties with a variety of backgrounds, such is the quality of the business and its people; it was a pleasure to represent them and achieve this result”.
Other advisors include the legal team from Napthens, led by Richard Robinson, and Tim Adcock from Mitchell Charlesworth.
For more information about Ruth Lee Ltd and its innovative training solutions, visit www.ruthlee.com.
