AG and Ackermans & van Haaren (91.8%) and the management (8.2%) of Anima have reached an agreement in principle on the transfer of 100% of the shares of Anima, a Belgian group active in high-quality senior care.
The transaction is expected to be closed in the third quarter of 2022 and has yet to be approved by the Belgian competition authorities.
Anima (formerly Anima Care) was established in 2007 and has grown into a network of 24 residential care centres (9 in Flanders, 7 in Brussels and 8 in Wallonia), with 2,244 nursing home beds, 257 service flats and 70 convalescence beds.
From the outset, Anima positioned itself as a high-quality senior care service provider. Every day, Anima does everything in its power to make its vision of "We like to see you happy" come true for its residents and staff.
Over the past 15 years, Anima has invested heavily in a sustainable living environment and in high-quality care and service for its residents. 50% of the sites and 64% of the total bed capacity are new-build or extensive refurbishments. This includes the planned opening in 2022 of the sites Tour & Taxis in Brussels and Parc de l’Alliance in Braine l’Alleud. Anima has always sought to invest in its own real estate and owns 78% of its buildings. Anima’s care network will continue to expand to 2,947 beds by end 2024.
In this transaction, AG will entrust the day-to-day management of Anima to its subsidiary AG Real Estate, the real estate consultant of Ageas and a subsidiary of AG. AG Real Estate has invested in senior care both in Belgium and internationally (Germany, the Netherlands and Spain). Anima’s activities are entirely aligned with AG Real Estate’s ambition to diversify its portfolio.
Jan Suykens, CEO - Chairman executive committee of AvH: “I am very proud today for two reasons: I am proud of the 1,631 colleagues who over the past 15 years have developed Anima into a high-quality and respected operator of residential care centres. I am also proud that a group like AG, as a Belgian strategic investor, has chosen Anima to help give shape to its growth ambitions in the care sector. I am confident that, with this new strong shareholder, Anima will be able to maintain its focus on high-quality care, and at the same time realise many new opportunities for growth.”
Johan Crijns, Chief Executive Officer of Anima: “I am grateful and proud of the magnificent care group that our ambitious team, with the support of Ackermans & van Haaren, has put on the map from scratch within a period of 15 years. I am particularly pleased that an established name like AG will become our new shareholder, and I look forward to continuing Anima’s growth trajectory together with them.”
Serge Fautré, Chief Executive Officer of AG Real Estate, confirms this: “Nearly ten years ago we began investing part of our portfolio in the health care sector, exclusively in real estate that is let on long leases to various operators, mainly in Belgium and Germany. The acquisition of Anima will diversify our risks and bring us closer to the end customer. Anima’s expertise and the consistent focus on the residents assured us that we have made the right decision and that we can give this project a future. Our management will centre on the well-being of the residents and of the employees. We look forward to welcoming the residents, the management team and all the staff of Anima into our company.”
Heidi Delobelle, Chief Executive Officer of AG, concludes: “With the mission “Supporter of your life”, AG commits itself to the operational side of the health sector by the acquisition of Anima and strengthens its active contribution to society. With this investment, AG undertakes to carry out its activities with the greatest respect for the residents, employees, and suppliers of Anima. The common values of the two Belgian companies will be promoted with conviction and will continue to determine the daily management of Anima within AG.”
