CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Waud Capital Partners (“Waud Capital”), a growth-oriented middle-market private equity firm specializing in the healthcare and software & technology sectors, announced today the acquisition of Mopec Group (“Mopec” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated, branded supplier of equipment, consumables and services addressing the needs of the anatomic pathology and other laboratory end-markets. Waud Capital is acquiring Mopec from Blackford Capital, a Michigan-based lower middle market private equity firm.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan, Mopec’s core mission is to empower pathology and anatomy professionals by providing products and solutions for the advancement of diagnostic accuracy, safety, research, education, and the treatment of disease.
“This is a very exciting milestone in Mopec’s history for our customers and our entire organization,” Mopec Group CEO Francis X. Dirksmeier said. “The partnership and investment from Waud Capital will strengthen our capability set by investing in areas for innovation and growth, ultimately driving greater value to all our constituents. Waud Capital supports our mission, vision, and purpose, which is to enrich life by building the platform for the treatment of disease. We look forward to building on the success we’ve had to date while also accelerating future growth opportunities.”
Brad Staley, an Executive Partner at Waud Capital with over 25 years in healthcare and technology operating roles across specialty distribution, products, and services sectors, will serve as the Mopec Group Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. He brings deep experience in multi-national supply chain and distribution markets and has successfully scaled organizations through both organic and inorganic strategies, having done so most recently as CEO of Advancing Eyecare.
Mr. Staley commented, “Mopec is a category leader with incredible brand equity in its core offerings. It is an honor to work with Fran and the Mopec leadership team to continue executing on its stated growth strategy of becoming a comprehensive solutions provider to pathology and lab markets.”
Mike Lehman, Principal at Waud Capital, added, “The growing incidence of disease and increasing roles of precision medicine continue to drive demand and a need in the market for value-added partners like Mopec. Mopec offers a differentiated solutions approach to serving pathology and lab customers’ needs and has built valuable, long-term partnerships. We are excited to partner with the Mopec team to pursue strategic growth initiatives and expand equipment, consumables, and service offerings to its customers.”
