French industrial gases company Air Liquide has acquired Betamed S.A. in Poland as part of its efforts to grow its home healthcare business — Air Liquide Healthcare in Europe.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Betamed is a home healthcare provider in Europe. It is engaged in the care of patients having severe pathologies at their homes or at its specialized clinic in Chorzow, Silesia.

Air Liquide said that the acquisition allows it to increase its footprint in Poland as well as to offer more services to patients with complex chronic diseases.

Its healthcare business unit is involved in chronic disease follow up at home part from supplying medical gases for hospitals. Air Liquide Healthcare operates across 35 plus countries.

Betamed, which was founded in 2001 by Beata Drzazga, is currently a major provider for home healthcare in Poland for patients with severe conditions such as stroke, heart disease, neurological diseases, paraplegia, and respiratory diseases.

It is said to support around 5,000 patients. The company’s Chorzow clinic, which has more than 100 beds, provides specialized care for children and adults who need mechanical ventilation.

Betamed had reported a revenue of almost €25 million in 2020.

Air Liquide, which has acquired several Polish home healthcare companies since 2012, said that it is now an established player in Poland’s home mechanical ventilation market.

As a result of the acquisition of Betamed, the French industrial gases company can now offer patients a wider, more diverse, and complementary range of services throughout the entire care pathway.

Air Liquide Healthcare plans to continue to build its business on the expertise of Beata Drzazga.

Diana Schillag — Air Liquide Group Executive Committee member, in charge of the healthcare business line, said: “We are pleased to welcome to Air Liquide Healthcare the teams of Betamed S.A., recognised for their expertise in the monitoring and care of patients with severe pathologies.

“This operation will enable the Group to strengthen its offer and its presence in home healthcare in Poland, in line with the strategy that the Group is deploying in the rest of Europe. As a major player in home healthcare, Air Liquide’s ambition is to best meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.”

  Air Liquide, Air Liquide Healthcare, Beata Drzazga, Betamed, Chorzow, Diana Schillag, Poland, Silesia