From acquisition to independence: the challenges of reclaiming a company

Reclaiming a company’s independence after a period under new ownership is a transformative journey, one that demands strategic foresight, operational resilience, and a clear vision for the future. For businesses in competitive sectors like health tech, this process is not just about regaining control; it’s about redefining purpose, rebuilding trust, and realigning with evolving market demands.

 

The path from acquisition to independence is rarely straightforward. It requires addressing financial, operational, and brand-related hurdles while ensuring the company remains relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. There are many key challenges and strategies for businesses seeking to reclaim their autonomy and thrive on their own terms.

 

 

Rebuilding profitability: the foundation of independence

Restoring financial health is the cornerstone of reclaiming independence. For companies transitioning back to standalone status, profitability often hinges on strategic investments, cost optimisation, and a renewed focus on core revenue streams. This is how my team and I have achieved 90% revenue growth for Withings since 2018, with full-year profitability in 2025, with the UK ranking as the fourth-largest market globally.

 

In sectors like health technology, the shift from consumer-focused gadgets to clinically validated solutions has redefined opportunities to become profitable. Companies must prioritise high-margin products such as FDA-cleared and CE-approved medical devices, subscription services, or B2B partnerships. In 2025, 66% of Withings’ global revenue came from medical products, highlighting the potential of this strategy for companies in the industry.  Reinvesting 20-27% of annual revenue into R&D, as seen among industry leaders, signals a commitment to innovation and long-term scalability, aligning more closely with pharmaceutical standards than traditional consumer electronics.

 

Achieving profitability in this health technology context is not an easy task and is not just about volume; it’s about selling the right products to the right audiences. Businesses that align their offerings with growing demands such as preventive care, remote monitoring, and evidence-based interventions are better positioned to sustain growth and regain financial independence.

 

 

Operational rebuilding: restoring autonomy

One of the most daunting aspects of reclaiming independence is rebuilding the operational infrastructure that was once integrated with a parent company. This process often involves untangling shared systems, re-establishing supplier relationships, and streamlining operations to eliminate redundancies.

 

For companies in industries like health tech, operational rebuilding might include:

• Decoupling proprietary technology from legacy systems to regain full control over product development and innovation.
• Re-establishing supplier and partner networks to ensure flexibility and resilience against market fluctuations.
• Optimising manufacturing, logistics, and customer support to create a lean, agile organisation capable of responding quickly to new opportunities.

The goal is to emerge as a self-sufficient entity, free from the constraints of past integrations and determined to pursue its own strategic direction.

 

 

Market and stakeholder reactions: trust in a new era

Re-establishing trust with customers, partners, and investors is critical after a change in ownership. In today’s market, transparency, stability, and a clear vision are non-negotiable. But the challenge doesn’t end there: businesses must also adapt to evolving consumer priorities.

 

Two major trends are reshaping industries like health tech. The first one is the GLP-1 boom and weight management.  The rise of GLP-1 medications has transformed consumer expectations. The obesity and GLP-1 program market now represents more than half of the Withings Health Solutions division’s revenue. This isn’t a passing trend; it’s a complete transformation of the sector. In recent years, a whole infrastructure of data, monitoring, and patient engagement has been built around the medication.  No longer satisfied with generic fitness trackers, GLP-1 users now seek comprehensive, data-driven solutions that support long-term metabolic health and weight management. Companies that provide medically credible, integrated tools such as remote monitoring devices and personalised health insights are gaining a competitive edge.

 

The second trend in health tech is the longevity movement. Influenced by thought leaders such as Bryan Johnson, consumers are increasingly focused on proactive health management and longevity. This shift has elevated the importance of preventive care, continuous monitoring, and evidence-based interventions. Businesses that demonstrate clinical rigour and a commitment to long-term health outcomes are more likely to earn the trust of both consumers and healthcare providers.

 

To rebuild confidence, companies must communicate their vision clearly and back it up with tangible metrics such as patient retention rates, clinical study collaborations, or revenue growth from medical-grade products.

 

 

Brand and identity realignment

Reclaiming independence often means reclaiming the company’s original identity. If a brand has been diluted or altered under previous ownership, realignment is essential to regaining market position and consumer loyalty.

 

The journey from acquisition to independence is complex, but it is also an opportunity to redefine a company’s purpose, rebuild its operations, and realign its brand with the needs of a changing market. By focusing on financial health, operational autonomy, stakeholder trust, and brand realignment, businesses can not only reclaim their independence but also position themselves for long-term success.

 

The most resilient companies are those that invest strategically, communicate transparently and stay true to their core values, proving that independence and profitability can lead to long-term success.

 

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Eric Carreel is Chairman and Co-founder of Withings

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Cecilie_Arcurs