Geneva, Switzerland – 19 December 2024 – Unilabs, a leading international provider of diagnostic services, announced the acquisition of kempf und pfaltz, a leading dermatopathology institute headquartered in Zürich.

The partnership supports Unilabs’ specialisation strategy and strengthens its position in dermatopathology by bringing long-term, in-house expertise into the network. It also enhances Unilabs’ ability to serve healthcare professionals and patients in the Zürich region.

By joining Unilabs, kempf und pfaltz gains access to Europe’s largest private network of pathologists, as well as Unilabs’ advanced AI and digital pathology capabilities and operational expertise, supporting the continued development and scaling of its dermatopathology services.

Strengthening dermatopathology expertise

Combining local specialisation with Unilabs’ international pathology network

Dermatopathology is a highly specialised area of diagnostic pathology that supports the diagnosis of conditions including skin cancers, inflammatory skin diseases, infections and autoimmune disorders.

Unilabs CEO Marc Engel said:

“Dermatopathology is one of the most sophisticated areas of diagnostic pathology and doctors and patients alike rely on their local dermatopathology lab to deliver accurate and speedy results to diagnose conditions such as skin cancers, inflammatory skin diseases, infections, and autoimmune disorders.”

He added:

“We are thrilled to welcome kempf und pfaltz to the Unilabs family. By working together, we will scale and accelerate industry innovation and standards as we work to expand access to early diagnosis, promote preventative healthcare, and transform the diagnostic experience for citizens globally.”

Continuity and specialist leadership

The Zürich laboratory will continue to be led by its established experts

Prof. Dr Werner Kempf, Dr Katrin Pfaltz and PD Dr Ivan Hegyi will continue to lead the Zürich laboratory, ensuring continuity for employees and referring doctors.

Prof. Dr Werner Kempf said:

“We are excited to join Unilabs. Its commitment to innovation for its pathologists, dermatopathologists, customers, and patients is unmatched. We look forward to building a bright future together, guided by the highest medical standards and a strong focus on specialization.”

About Unilabs

A comprehensive international diagnostics network

Unilabs is a leading international provider of diagnostic services, offering a complete range of laboratory, pathology, genetics and imaging services to patients across four continents.

With more than 13,000 employees in 15 countries, Unilabs invests significantly in technology, equipment and people, using digital technologies across its laboratories and imaging institutes to improve the lives of close to 100 million people every year.

About kempf und pfaltz

A specialised dermatopathology institute based in Zürich

kempf und pfaltz is a specialised histological diagnostics company with a strong focus on dermatopathology.

The company is:

• Certified according to ISO 9001:2015

• Recognised as a Category D training centre by the Swiss Society of Pathology

• A recognised training centre for dermatopathology

• Accredited by the International Committee of Dermatopathology (ICDP)

Founded in 2004 by Dr Madeleine Pfaltz and Prof. Dr Werner Kempf, kempf und pfaltz employs approximately 80 people and operates a state-of-the-art laboratory in Zürich.

Editor’s notes

Advisors involved in the transaction

Capitalmind Investec acted as M&A advisor, MOORE as accountant and tax advisor, and Bär & Karrer as legal and tax advisor to kempf und pfaltz.

Deloitte acted as financial due diligence and tax advisor, while Lenz & Staehelin acted as legal advisor to Unilabs.

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Toomas Kull
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