UK-listed private asset growth investors, Bridgepoint, is acquiring a significant controlling stake in Stockholm-based Safe Life, the global leader in the distribution of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), in a transaction that values the company at around €500m (US$587m).
Safe Life, which operates across North America and Europe, is a market leader in a highly fragmented and fast-growing sector. The company equips communities and workplaces with lifesaving AEDs supported by ongoing services, including CPR training, maintenance and replacement parts such as pads and batteries to enable a fast and effective response in an emergency.
Since its founding in 2019, the company has distributed over 500,000 AEDs globally and is set to deliver over €250m of sales in 2025.
“This is a classic Bridgepoint investment: a founder-led, mission-driven company operating in a large and growing market,” said Chris Bley, partner and co-head of the Nordics at Bridgepoint. “Safe Life has built a standout platform, combining leadership in AED distribution with a comprehensive offer of ongoing services and maintenance. We see meaningful opportunities for expansion, both organically and through continued M&A, and are excited to support the team as they take the business to the next level.”
Safe Life has been very active on the M&A front already this year with acquisitions in France, Switzerland, Poland, and the US. It also made 10 acquisitions in 2024 and has completed around 40 since its inception.
Bridgepoint will partner with Safe Life’s founders and existing institutional investors including Byggmästaren, Bonnier Capital and Swedbank Robur, all of whom are materially reinvesting alongside Bridgepoint.
The partnership will support Safe Life in its international expansion, the growth of its aftermarket and training capabilities and continued M&A.
“In Bridgepoint, we’ve found a partner who not only believes in [our] mission but brings the expertise and scale to help us reach more communities around the world, and to support us to grow further, faster,” said Jimmy Eriksson and Alexander Albedj, co-founders of Safe Life.
Core focus
Safe Life operates in one of Bridgepoint’s core focus areas: Medtech products that improve patient outcomes and offer strong growth potential across multiple markets. Bridgepoint has deep experience in this space, having backed companies such as Balt, a global specialist in neurovascular devices for stroke and aneurysm treatment; and Vivacy, a European leader in regenerative and aesthetic medicine injectables.
The partnership also builds on Bridgepoint’s track record of supporting Swedish-founded businesses to expand internationally. Previous investments include Diaverum, a global provider of life-sustaining dialysis care operating in 23 countries, and Vitamin Well, a health and wellness drinks company with distribution across 40 markets. Both were supported by Bridgepoint’s Stockholm team and scaled significantly under its ownership through international expansion and business development.
Advisors
Bridgepoint was advised by Jefferies (M&A), Vinge (Legal), EY (Financial, Tax & Operational Due Diligence), Strategy& (Commercial), ERM (ESG) and Marsh (Insurance).
Safe Life was advised by Baker & McKenzie (Legal Advisor).
Press release: Bridgepoint to partner with Safe Life, a global leader in AED distribution, to drive next phase of growth – Bridgepoint
