Hygie31 Group is taking a new step in its development with the acquisition of Cap Vital Santé, a leading player in the home care and medical equipment sector, operating 230 points of sale and generating a turnover of 150 million euros. Through this strategic move, the group creates Hygie Medical - its new expertise hub dedicated to medical equipment - and positions itself as a new French leader, ready to transform support for those experiencing loss of autonomy in a lasting way.
Anticipating the challenges of a society in transition
The healthcare sector is undergoing a profound transformation. With the population ageing rapidly and a strong desire among French people to “age well” at home, the need for specialised equipment is becoming crucial. In a sector that is still fragmented and subject to complex regulatory and reimbursement evolutions, Hygie31 has chosen to take the initiative with the creation of Hygie Medical and structuring a clear, robust offer, capable of strategically influencing public authorities to defend the independent model.
Cap Vital: a long-established and robust French company
Founded in 1992, Cap Vital is more than just a network; it’s an institution of medical expertise. With 30 years of expertise, ISO 9001 certification, and a highly efficient purchasing centre, Cap Vital provides Groupe Hygie31 with recognised technical expertise for both individuals and local authorities. By joining this ecHosystem, Cap Vital is scaling up: its members will now benefit from optimised commercial conditions, strengthened exclusive brands, and unprecedented digital capabilities to optimise the patient pathway.
Hygie Médical, a unique omnichannel synergy in the medical equipment market
The creation of Hygie Medical represents the birth of a unique model in France, which now brings together complementary entities:
- Médical Lafayette : a strong and well-known brand challenging the market with its "medical shopping" concept
- Cap Vital Santé: a long-established network with distinctive expertise in the professional field (disability, orthopaedics)
- MVD (Mieux Vivre à Domicile), a leading player in home care in the north of France
- Distrimed : one of the leading French online retailers of medical equipment and devices for healthcare professionals
This new structure, defined as a complete 360° ecHosystem, relies on advanced logistics (3 platforms, 10,000 references) and a team of 20 AI and digital experts. Hygie Médical thus creates a direct link between 18,000 healthcare professionals – including doctors, nursing staff, and physiotherapists – and the group’s points of sale, both B2B and B2C.
An ambition for leadership and mutual benefits
This union creates a virtuous cycle of growth:
- For Hygie31: the consolidation of a "Medical Equipment" pillar, which is becoming an essential complement to pharmacy activity
- For Médical Lafayette: the reinforcement of the brand and acceleration of its expansion, with a target of 20 to 30 additional stores per year
- For Cap Vital: synergies with the group’s 1,700 French pharmacies, a major technological boost, and access to Hygie31’s exclusive brands.
- For suppliers: a leading partner with over €60 million in annual purchases and the opportunity to expand certain listings to 1,700 French pharmacies.
“The acquisition of Cap Vital represents a significant milestone in the group’s development. With Hygie Médical, we are consolidating a fragmented market and creating a leading French provider of medical equipment, making healthcare accessible to everyone, everywhere." — Hervé Jouves, President of Hygie31 group.
“The union with Hygie31 marks a new chapter for Cap Vital Santé. With Hygie Médical, we are strengthening our offering and will benefit from synergies with Hygie31's other companies, ultimately enhancing our members’ competitiveness." – Thierry Weil, President of Capvital Santé