Hypha Partners LLP (“Hypha”), a lower mid-market private equity firm, has supported the management buyout (“MBO”) of Ashley Medical Communications (“AMC”), a leading medical education and communications agency, underscoring Hypha’s commitment to investing in high-potential founder-owned businesses in the healthcare, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Summary of the Investment

Hypha has acquired a majority stake in AMC, investing alongside its management team. The transaction sees the founder depart and empowers its CEO Cath Lavery, to invest and so realise the company’s ambitious growth plans. The transaction aligns with Hypha’s belief in the potential of smaller founder-owned companies when combined with a supportive partner and fresh capital. The funding and new ownership will enable AMCs plans to expand its presence in Europe and to further develop and acquire complementary service lines. Cath will be supported by new hires, Merle Hall as Chair, previously of Steripack, and Chris Willoughby as CFO, previously of WPP.

About Ashley Medical Communications

AMC delivers strategic medical education and communication services to clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices sectors. The scientifically-led company specialises in supporting the commercialisation of high-impact therapeutics including oncology and neurology.

Led by CEO Cath Lavery, bringing over 20 years of expertise in healthcare communications and seven years of experience at AMC’s helm, AMC has earned a reputation for excellence and adaptability in meeting the needs of its clients, with revenue growth of over 50% since 2023.

About Hypha Partners LLP

Hypha is a private equity firm investing in growth-oriented businesses in the technology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing sectors. It closed its £120m maiden fund in 2024 and invests for majority and minority stakes in smaller, high-potential companies. Hypha aims to bring a renewed focus to the sub-£20m equity market in the UK, combining flexible financial support with meaningful strategic guidance for ambitious management teams. The firm was founded by Chris Wardle, Matt Pomroy, and Matthew Evans-Young.

Cath Lavery, CEO of AMC, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to join forces with Hypha. Their support will help us grow our services and reach new clients in the global healthcare sector. They share our vision and have a strong track record of backing founder-led businesses, which makes them a great fit for us. I’m looking forward to working with their team as we continue to build on AMC’s mission of delivering impactful medical communications.”

Matt Pomroy, co-founder and partner of Hypha, commented:

"We are thrilled to announce our maiden investment into AMC, a deal we executed swiftly and effectively alongside management, delivering on our commitments. AMC is an ideal fit for Hypha, with its ambitious team, strong growth potential and exciting opportunities for international expansion. Partnering with Cath and the exceptional AMC team is a privilege, and this investment exemplifies our strategy of backing founder-owned businesses to drive transformative growth.”