In December 2010 we announced that Handicare would create a new company for the production, distribution and sales of the Alex, Beatle and Ibis XP power wheelchair models, a precondition to  obtain approval of the Dutch Competition Authority (NMa) for the acquisition of Handicare by Nordic Capital Fund VII. We would now like to inform you that this new company, named You-Q B.V., has been established and will be operational as of 1 April 2011. At a later stage, You-Q, will be sold to an independent buyer.

The establishment of You-Q will have no consequences for our international customers, as Handicare will continue to sell the Alex, Beatle and Ibis XP power wheelchairs as distributor for You-Q outside the Netherlands. Ordering procedures, conditions and delivery times for these - You-Q branded - products will remain unchanged. Handicare dealers in the Netherlands, however, will be ordering these models directly from You-Q as of 1 April 2011.

The physical transfer of production facilities to the new You-Q location in Helmond, the Netherlands will take place between 15 March and 1 April 2011. Naturally, we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition and we thank you in advance for your understanding in case of any unanticipated inconvenience.

At Handicare we are committed to provide our customers with high-quality, innovative mobility solutions in all key market segments. We are convinced that the acquisition by Nordic Capital Fund VII provides a solid basis allowing us to continue this strategy moving forward.