Livingstone has once again advised the shareholders of Physio CKI Group, a fast-growing group of physiotherapy practices based in Cologne, on the sale of a majority stake to a private equity partner. Founder and CEO, Chaled Qarizada, will remain significantly invested in the company and will continue to lead the group as CEO , supported by Stephan Kretschmer, who joined as a member of the group’s management team. Together with Gilde Healthcare, Physio CKI aims to further accelerate its organic growth through its greenfield approach.
Physio CKI currently operates 13 modern practices in the Düsseldorf, Cologne-Bonn, and Rhein-Sieg region, and runs its own training academy for certifications and trainings of physiotherapists. The range of services includes general physiotherapy with a focus on sports orthopedics / traumatology and neurology, as well as other specialized treatments. The group employs over 200 staff members, 70 percent of whom are therapists.
Chaled Qarizada, CEO and co-founder of Physio CKI, commented: “The partnership with Gilde Healthcare marks an important step in Physio CKI’s development. Together, we will expand the network of practices in a targeted manner, further increase the quality and accessibility of care, and strengthen professional therapy planning across multiple regions. The combination of Gilde Healthcare’s industry expertise and long-term capital enables us to execute our ambitious growth plan and establish the Physio CKI brand’s profile nationwide as synonymous with modern physiotherapy. My special thanks go to the Livingstone team led by Christian Grandin, who once again provided Physio CKI and me personally with outstanding and comprehensive support and advice throughout this transaction.”
Robert Stein, Partner at Gilde Healthcare, commented: “Physio CKI impressed us with its innovative practice concept, clear quality standards, and dynamic, organic growth. The consistent focus on patient needs, combined with efficient processes and a committed team, creates a strong foundation for sustainable growth. We look forward to supporting the group in its expansion and increasing access to high-quality physiotherapy services.”
“It has been a pleasure for us to play an important role in sustainably shaping the entrepreneurial journey of Physio CKI over the past years. Following an extremely successful start-up and growth phase, Kapital 1852 is now handing over the baton to Gilde Healthcare, which will shape the next stage of the group’s development and actively support its strategic advancement. We would like to thank Chaled Qarizada and the entire team for their trusting cooperation. We wish Physio CKI and Gilde Healthcare continued success and all the best for the future,” said Björn Schürmann on behalf of Kapital 1852. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Livingstone Partners for their successful transaction advice and trusting cooperation. The professional process management and in-depth industry knowledge of Christian Grandin’s team confirmed our decision to place our trust in Livingstone for this project.”
Christian Grandin, Managing Partner at Livingstone, said: “We were delighted to advise the rapidly growing Physio CKI Group and its shareholders for the second time on the sale of a majority stake to a private equity partner. This marks our 15th healthcare services transaction in the past 24 months.”
