Houlihan Lokey Advises FotoFinder Systems
Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that FotoFinder Systems (FotoFinder), a portfolio company of EMZ Partners (EMZ), has acquired DermLite LLC (DermLite), a renowned producer of handheld dermoscopy equipment. Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial and financing advisor to EMZ and FotoFinder. The transaction was completed on 15 March 2024.
This strategic merger represents a significant milestone in dermatology, bringing together two internationally respected industry players with a legacy of establishing industry benchmarks through accomplishments and a dedication to advancing dermatological care through innovation.
Founded in 1991 and based in Bavaria, Germany, FotoFinder is an innovative manufacturer of cutting-edge skin imaging solutions. Its comprehensive range of systems enables early skin cancer detection through automated total body mapping, artificial intelligence, and digital dermoscopy. FotoFinder offers customized workflows in trichoscopy, psoriasis documentation, aesthetics, and clinical research. With subsidiaries in Italy, the U.K., and the U.S., alongside a robust global partner network, the company maintains a presence in more than 90 countries, serving clients worldwide.
DermLite, a well-known global brand in dermoscopy, has been setting industry standards in handheld dermoscopy since its establishment in 1999, introducing the world’s first polarized dermoscope in 2001 and the inaugural hybrid scope in 2006. Renowned for its exceptional quality, user-centric approach, and commitment to innovation, DermLite’s mission is to deliver advanced, intuitive, and practical design solutions that seamlessly integrate into the daily workflows of medical professionals worldwide. The company is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California.
By integrating DermLite’s expertise in dermoscopy technology with FotoFinder’s cutting-edge imaging systems, the newly formed entity emerges as a global provider of dermoscopy solutions with a comprehensive suite of products and services for modern dermoscopy diagnostics and research. Clients can access a complete array of skin visualization tools, ranging from handheld devices to total body dermoscopy systems, available on-premise or in the cloud and powered by advanced AI technology.
Andreas Mayer, CEO at FotoFinder Systems, said: “We’re excited to welcome DermLite to the FotoFinder family. This union represents a significant step in our mission to facilitate worldwide early detection and accurate skin cancer diagnosis. Our shared vision is to provide our customers with a seamless experience, offering everything they need for skin imaging under one roof. By combining DermLite’s renowned dermoscopy technology with our AI-powered imaging systems, we’re forging a unified ecosystem that empowers clinicians with unmatched insights and capabilities.”
John Bottjer, President of DermLite, looks ahead to the new chapter: “Joining forces with FotoFinder aligns with our goals and values, promising to amplify our capabilities significantly. We’re excited for the opportunities this acquisition creates for innovation, growth, and learning, enabling us to provide clinicians with even more powerful tools for the discoveries of tomorrow.”
EMZ is a leading European investment firm with offices in Paris and Munich. The firm focuses on small and medium-sized companies and designs tailor-made capital solutions in partnership with founders, family shareholders, and managers. The current fund has a volume of €1.4 billion, and its investment size ranges from €10 million to €150 million.
Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial and financing advisor to EMZ and FotoFinder. The deal team assisted in the valuation of the company, managed the process of the transaction, and advised on the raising of financing. This transaction further enhances Houlihan Lokey’s extensive track record in the MedTech sector as well as in the DACH lending market.
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