D-TEK: A niche company with a strong export component
Founded in 1995, D-TEK is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing and producing diagnostic kits for autoimmune diseases, which affect 7–15% of the world’s population. As a growing niche company, D-TEK continually invests in R&D in order to ensure its competitiveness in an ever-evolving technical market.
“IMBC has a true professional ethic and respects the evolution and philosophy of our company. They support us at every crucial stage of our growth with investments and sound advice,” Alain Vigneron, Founder and Managing Director.
In 1995, D-TEK began using an emerging technology to improve the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The company turned to IMBC for funding to support its R&D projects.
Investment for Growth
2008 was a pivotal year for D-TEK. Faced with growing competition and rapid technological inflation, the company had to deal with major challenges, including expanding its teams, investing in R&D, constructing a new building, and buying back shares in a management buyout in order to retain control of the company following the departure of one of its partners.
On each occasion, D-TEK approached IMBC with a view to working in partnership, seeking advice and coordinating a balanced financial package to create long-term value.
D-TEK is a real case study for IMBC. For 30 years, IMBC has supported D-TEK throughout its development by financing various needs, such as R&D, investments, WCR, and MBO, both as a creditor and as a shareholder.
“Since D-TEK was founded in 1995, IMBC has been a key partner in our development, providing consulting services that extend well beyond the financial realm,” says Benoît Autem.
External Growth: the D-TEK Group
2018 was another important year for the company, with several major projects being carried out at the same time, enabling the company to pursue both internal and external growth.
In an effort to achieve vertical integration, D-TEK partnered with a company that assembles automation equipment for its Blue Diyer Instrument, as well as with a distributor of human and veterinary in vitro diagnostics products.
The year was also marked by a second management buyout, in which Mr. Alain Vigneron purchased Mr. Benoît Autem’s shares. Since then, the D-TEK Group has been under the leadership of Benoît Autem. Alain Vigneron, who remains with the company, has returned to his first love: R&D.
IMBC has been there every step of the way.
Thanks to this 30-year partnership, D-TEK has successfully navigated all of these crucial stages in its corporate life.
