INVACARE

CHALLENGE

Limited investor interest in unknown home medical products company in uncertain industry traditionally plagued by unstable Medicare / Medicaid reimbursement environment. Government officials coping with skyrocketing healthcare costs looking for opportunities to cut budgets. Low consumer awareness of rehab and home medical products generally and almost non-existent brand awareness.

APPROACH

Work with executive management for nearly 20 years to reposition company image from a low-tech metal-bending operation to a highly focused product innovator. Support company growth through extensive communication to investors, media and public officials about the benefits of home care over hospitalization and through grassroots initiatives with therapists, consumers and the disability community. Craft aggressive investor relations messages throughout periods of acquisitions and growth, globalization and consolidation.

RESULTS

Invacare has grown from a virtually unknown name to become the global leader in $8 billion home medical equipment industry. Revenues have grown from $19 million to more than $1.5 billion. Invacare is #1 or #2 in most of its business lines and geographic markets and is regarded as the leader in developing innovative products that improve mobility and quality of life for older people and those with disabilities. The company is the industry leader in lobbying Washington to impact Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement of home care products.