In brief: Rhône to buy Invacare Holdings, Numotion to buy Motion & DOJ, HHS to target false claims 

LONDON – Investment vehicles affiliated with Rhône, a transatlantic, middle-market private equity firm, have entered exclusive discussions to acquire a majority shareholding in both Invacare Holdings and Direct Healthcare Group (DHG). 

The two companies have complementary capabilities and products lines in the design, manufacture and distribution of medical devices that support an individual’s mobility, safety and care. 

“We are thrilled with this proposed combination and new chapter for Invacare,” said Geoffrey Purtill, president and CEO of Invacare Holdings Corporation. “Rhône’s investment and commitment to Invacare and our growth plan would enable us to further innovate and deliver high quality products to continue our mission of Making Life’s Experiences Possible.” 

Following the completion of the transaction, Rhône would hold a majority shareholding in the combined business. DHG’s previous private equity backer, ARCHIMED, will retain a minority interest. Additional financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. 

As a result of the transaction, customers and end-users across Europe will benefit from broader access to a comprehensive, high-quality product offering, combining Invacare’s strengths in manual and powered wheelchairs, including complex rehabilitation needs, with DHG’s expertise in pressure care and safe patient handling solutions. Rhône intends to support continued investment in product development, research and operational capabilities to drive growth. 

“Rhône is pleased to partner with Invacare, DHG, and ARCHIMED in this next phase of growth,” said Patrick Mundt, managing director at Rhône. “Both Invacare and DHG have a differentiated approach as an innovator in their distinctive product categories and in the geographies in which they serve their customers.” 

The transaction would occur after completion of consultation with the Works Council at Invacare France Operations SAS and Invacare Poirier, as well as satisfactory clearance from relevant competition and regulatory authorities. 

Invacare Holdings sold its North America business to MIGA Holdings in 2024. 

• Related: Invacare’s new owner in NA excels in turnarounds  

Motion, Numotion join forces 

TORONTO – Motion, formerly Motion Specialties, a provider of customized mobility and home accessibility solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to join forces with Numotion. 

The companies say the partnership enhances their collective ability to better serve individuals living with disabilities in North America. 

“We are very excited to join Numotion, which brings proven scale and expertise to unlock new growth opportunities and continued innovation, while preserving the quality-of-care Canadians have come to rely on from Motion,” said Sue Gilpin, CEO of Motion. “We remain committed to delivering excellent client experience through community engagement and high-quality products and services that make life accessible for Canadians.” 

Established in 1985, Motion operates 46 locations across five provinces. 

Following the close of the transaction, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, Motion will continue to operate as a standalone, Canadian-based entity headquartered in Ontario. It will also maintain the Motion brand and leadership at its current locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 

“The partnership between Numotion and Motion brings together two organizations with closely aligned cultures, values and business philosophies, providing mutually beneficial opportunities for employees, clients and communities,” said Mike Swinford, CEO of Numotion. “We have a strong, longstanding relationship with the Motion management team and have been collaborating for nearly 10 years, so the combination of our businesses allows us to take that approach even further to the benefit our collective clients.” 

Federal agencies unite to strengthen False Claims Act enforcement 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have formed a False Claims Act Working Group to strengthen their coordination and better advance priority enforcement areas. 

As part of their work: 

• HHS shall make referrals to DOJ of potential violations of the FCA that reflect Working Group priorities. In addition to priority FCA matters previously announced by the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division, the Working Group is announcing the following priority enforcement areas: 
  • Medicare Advantage 
  • Drug, device or biologics pricing, including arrangements for discounts, rebates, service fees, and formulary placement and price reporting 
  • Barriers to patient access to care, including violations of network adequacy requirements 
  • Kickbacks related to drugs, medical devices, durable medical equipment, and other products paid for by federal healthcare programs 
  • Materially defective medical devices that impact patient safety 
  • Manipulation of Electronic Health Records systems to drive inappropriate utilization of Medicare covered products and services 
• The Working Group shall maximize cross-agency collaboration to expedite ongoing investigations in these priority areas and identify new leads, including by leveraging HHS resources through enhanced data mining and assessment of HHS and HHS-OIG report findings. 
• The Working Group shall discuss considerations bearing on whether HHS should implement a payment suspension pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 405.370 et seq. or whether DOJ shall move to dismiss a qui tam complaint under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(A), consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.111. 

Membership in the working group will include leadership from the HHS Office of General Counsel, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Program Integrity, the Office of Counsel to the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and DOJ’s Civil Division, with designees representing U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The group will be jointly led by the HHS general counsel, chief counsel to HHS-OIG, and the deputy assistant attorney general of the Commercial Litigation Branch. 

“The DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group encourages whistleblowers to identify and report violations of the federal False Claims Act involving priority enforcement areas,” the agencies stated. “Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).  Similarly, the Working Group encourages healthcare companies to identify and report such violations consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.112.”    

Trump signs HR 1 

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has signed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ushering in several Medicare and Medicaid changes that will impact the HME industry. The bill will, among other things, cut Medicare reimbursement by 4% across the board (unless PAYGO is waived) and implement a mandatory work / education requirement for Medicaid that is expected to reduce the number of total enrollees. Other measures in the bill could also have a ripple effect on the industry by decreasing state funding and increasing administrative burdens, VGM & Associates stated in a recent blog post. Here’s a rundown of what’s in the bill. Industry stakeholders recently explained what might be at stake related to the Medicaid changes. 

VGM’s Petito joins NAIPC board 

WATERLOO, Iowa – Cindi Petito, the director of VGM Live at Home, has joined the board of directors for the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC). The council’s mission is to bring professionals and communities together to champion aging in place through collaboration, education and advocacy. “I look forward to working with this exceptional team to enhance our outreach and impact, ensuring that more individuals have access to the support necessary for successful aging in their homes and communities,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post. Petito is an occupational therapist and accessibility specialist. The NAIPC’s five pillars of aging include housing. “NAIPIC recognizes the significance of suitable housing for aging in place,” it states on its website. “Their resources guide caregivers in creating safe, comfortable and accessibility living spaces, ensuring that seniors can maintain their independence within their homes.” The other pillars: health and wellness, finances, transportation and social interaction. 

Viemed officially adds Lehan’s to family 

LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed has completed the previously disclosed acquisition of Illinois-based Lehan's Medical Equipment for a base purchase price of $26 million, subject to customary adjustments, plus estimated contingent payments of $2.2 million. "We are pleased to close the acquisition of Lehan and bring this talented and highly motivated team into the Viemed family," said Casey Hoyt, CEO. "Lehan's 80-year track record and brand recognition in a large and fast-growing market along with its preferred contracts and fulfillment expertise make for a powerful combination with our national scale, unique care delivery model and existing payer relationships to serve a broader patient population." In 2024, Lehan generated net revenues of approximately $25.7 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $7.4 million. Viemed funded the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings from its existing credit facilities. Viemed anticipates increasing its previously issued full-year 2025 guidance range to account for the expected contribution from this acquisition when it reports earnings results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. 

• Related: Viemed readies to crack tough Chicago market 
• Related: ‘Unsustainable’ PBM model drives Lehan Drugs to drop pharmacy services  

NCART’s Piriano named RESNA Fellow 

LUBBOCK, Texas – NCART has announced that Julie Piriano, its senior director of payer relations & regulatory affairs, has been named a 2025 RESNA Fellow. The award recognizes a member who has made long-term and substantial contributions to the field of rehab and assistive technology, as well as significant contributions to RESNA. “Julie has made significant contributions to the RENSA organization and the field as an educator, mentor, clinician, advocate and industry leader,” said Carmen DiGiovine, immediate past-president of RESNA and current board member. “In particular, she had made extraordinary contributions in teaching and education, communication and public awareness, public policy and advocacy.” Piriano has served in various capacities as a volunteer for RESNA, particularly on the Professional Standards Board, where, as chair, she guided the development of the ATP and SMS certification programs. She has served on more than 15 different RESNA committees and is currently a member of the board of directors for the second time in her career. “Julie and I met many years ago, and at that time, she embodied all that was good about the CRT industry, and she continues that same commitment and dedication today,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “We are very proud to have Julie as part of NCART, she has consistently delivered for NCART members and the consumers that we serve.”