4. Duke Street acquires AGITO Medical from Philips
In July, European private equity firm Duke Street acquired AGITO Medical, the Denmark-based provider of mobile imaging equipment rentals and pre-owned imaging systems, from Philips.

Founded in 2004, AGITO is a provider of mobile rental solutions and supplier of pre-owned imaging equipment and spare parts to the healthcare industry. The company offers hospitals and clinics a flexible and tailored rental service of mobile imaging equipment across CT, MR, and cath labs, with or without additional services such as staffing.
James Almond, managing partner at Duke Street, characterized the investment as a "classic" deal for the private equity firm; "a carve-out from a globally recognized business, acquisition of an excellent healthcare product and a talented team that we back, fueled by an investment program that will create value for all."

Europe's medical imaging rental market is currently worth approximately €500 million, and is predicted to grow by 6-7% over the next few years.

5. Avante Health Solutions files for bankruptcy and agrees to sale
In October, Avante Health Solutions and its affiliates, (under the banner of Jordan Health Products) petitioned for bankruptcy on October 8 under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in order to move forward with a sale to private equity firm Staple Street Capital.

The company listed assets of between $50 million and $100 million and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million, including 30 of the largest unsecured creditors, starting with Philips Medical Systems.

"Our team has been working diligently to strengthen our financial foundation in the face of difficult circumstances brought on by ongoing litigation, which has cost Avante approximately $20 million over the past several years," said Jim Leitl, CEO and president of Avante. "After evaluating our options, the board and management team determined that entering into an agreement with Staple Street Capital, who will support Avante's long-term success, is the best path forward."

Avante Health Solutions provides medical, surgical, and imaging equipment, including sales, service, repair, parts, refurbishing, and installation. According to its website, the company's imaging division employs over 140 field service engineers.

Staple Street Capital has approximately $900 million under management.
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