Midea buys Italy's Esaote to build out medical imaging arm
What's the deal? China's Midea GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in EsaoteDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the Italian medical imaging company, for an undisclosed sum. Esaote joins Midea HealthcareDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → but will keep operating as an independent global business, headquartered in Genoa with R&D and manufacturing sites in Italy and the Netherlands.
What each side brings: Esaote specialises in ultrasound, open and dedicated MRI systems, and medical IT solutions. Midea's imaging portfolio spans DR, high-field MRI, CT, and DSA — a line-up the companies say complements Esaote's premium brand.
By the numbers: Esaote reported revenue of €267 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, with 70% coming from international markets. It ranks among the world's top ten medical imaging producers.
What's the endgame? Midea plans to accelerate Esaote's growth through targeted investment in R&D, operations, and production capacity. The deal also strengthens Midea's position in global medical imaging as it expands beyond its core appliances business into healthcare.
Franco Fontana stays on as chief executive officer, confirmed by the new owners. "This operation opens a new and exciting phase for Esaote," he said (translated from Italian).
Eric Wang, executive chairman of Midea Group, called the acquisition "an important step in our strategy aimed at the healthcare sector" (translated from Italian), pointing to a more complete imaging offering for customers in international markets.
The signal: The deal reflects the push by China's industrial conglomerates to move up the value chain into high-margin medical technology, buying established European brands for their expertise and global reach rather than building from scratch.
Read more: prnewswire.com
Image credit: Esaote
