Midea Group (美的集团) completed its acquisition of a controlling stake in Italian medical imaging company Esaote S.p.A. (百胜医疗) on October 9, the companies said. Esaote will join Midea Healthcare while continuing to operate as an independent business headquartered in Genoa, with research and manufacturing facilities in Italy and the Netherlands.
The companies did not disclose the stake acquired or the transaction value. Esaote will continue to be led by CEO Franco Fontana, whom its new shareholders confirmed in the role. The arrangement combines Midea’s international network and medical-imaging portfolio with Esaote’s established ultrasound, open and dedicated MRI, and medical IT businesses.
Esaote reported fiscal 2025 revenue of €267 million, with about 70% generated in international markets. The company says it operates in roughly 100 countries and invests more than 12% of revenue in research and development. Midea’s medical imaging portfolio includes digital radiography, high-field MRI, CT and digital subtraction angiography.
The transaction deepens Midea’s healthcare business beyond its better-known home-appliance operations. It also brings together complementary imaging portfolios and an established European medical-technology company with Midea’s manufacturing capabilities and international reach. The companies said they expect the combination to support product development and expand Esaote’s global business.
Esaote was already under Chinese ownership: a consortium of Chinese investors completed its acquisition in 2018. Midea’s deal therefore marks a change in control within a company that has operated under Chinese ownership for several years, while retaining its Italian headquarters and European research and production base.
For Chinese companies expanding overseas, the deal illustrates a route to international growth through acquiring control of an established specialist while maintaining its local operations and identity. The practical test will be whether Midea’s resources help Esaote expand its products and reach without weakening the expertise and customer relationships built in Europe.
Contact Us：
Xingyiran@iyiou.com
