Goodwin has advised EMZ portfolio company FotoFinder Systems (“FotoFinder”), a global leader in skin imaging solutions, on the financing of the acquisition of DermLite, a provider of handheld dermatoscopes.
This strategic merger marks a major milestone in dermoscopy, uniting two companies that share a track record of setting industry standards through groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to advancing dermatological care through innovation. The acquisition marks EMZ’s first investment in the United States.
Established in 1991 and headquartered in Bad Birnbach, Bavaria, FotoFinder is an industry leader in cutting-edge skin imaging solutions. The comprehensive range of systems facilitates early skin cancer detection through Automated Total Body Mapping (ATBM), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital dermoscopy. With subsidiaries in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside a robust global partner network, the company maintains a presence in over 90 countries, catering to clients worldwide.
Launched in 1999, DermLite has emerged as a leading brand in the global dermatoscope market. It revolutionized dermoscopy by unveiling the first-ever polarized handheld dermatoscope in 2001 and set a new gold standard with the hybrid scope in 2006. The headquarters of DermLite is nestled in Aliso Viejo, California.
EMZ is a leading European investment firm with offices in Paris and Munich. The firm focuses on small-to-medium-sized companies and offers flexible capital solutions in strong partnerships with founders, family shareholders, and managers. EMZ is majority-owned by its own employees and has a base of European institutional investors. The current fund has a volume of 1.4 billion euros, and its investment size ranges from 10 million euros to 200 million euros.
The transaction team was led by Winfried M. Carli, and Daniel Wagner (both Private Equity/Finance, Munich) and included Reid Bagwell and Tyler Lewis (both Private Equity/Finance, Boston) as well as transaction Anna Zoth and Rina Omura (both Private Equity/Finance, Munich).