Successful development of a technology company

Saime designs and markets compact, autonomous, high-performance ventilators to treat patients suffering from breathing difficulties at home or in hospital. In 2002, its founding chairman wanted to retire, which raised the problem of who would succeed him at the head of the company.

An in-depth study of this particular sector and the case at hand allowed Argos to detect genuine growth potential within the company:

• Proven technological leader for its products.
• A complete renewal of its product offering and launch of a new range aimed at hospitals.
• French leader on a home-care market that is growing rapidly across Europe.

Argos recruited a new Chairman of the Executive Board to succeed the founding Chairman who became Chairman of the Supervisory Board and retained 34% of the equity in Saime. Argos and the new management of Saime drew up a launch strategy for the new “home” ranges.

When BIMBO translates into strong growth and innovation

Saime - 3 years later - 2004:

• Share of the market in home help for acute breathing difficulties

· 75% in France

· 50% in the euro zone

• Successful penetration of the hospital sector with a new range of products
• 60 employees compared with 35 in 2001
• Sales growth of 80% since 2001/2002

“The Saime BIMBO raised a two-fold problem. Firstly a change in management and secondly how to ensure strong growth by a complete overhaul of the product range. The direct, permanent contact, transparency and close relationship of trust and communication on strategic matters by the Argos team, gave me the resources I needed for this dual project.”

Antoine Heral – Chairman of the Executive Board at Saime