US medical giant moves in for Queen’s Award winner Trio

Trio Healthcare International has been sold to the global medical technologies firm ConvaTec for an undisclosed sum. Skipton-based Trio was among a group of companies from Yorkshire that were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street in 2009 because they had achieved significant growth in the export market.

Trio’s specialist silicone-based medical devices are available across much of Europe as well as Japan and the US. Trio, which also has bases in Buckinghamshire and the Netherlands, produces accessory products for ostomy care. It manufactures products which are mainly intended for continence and wound care use.

The company’s key products include Trio Niltac, an advanced medical adhesive remover, and Trio Silesse, a silicone skin barrier that gives protection against the damaging effects of adhesives and body wastes.

There are more than 100,000 people in the UK who have an abdominal stoma – a surgically created opening for the passing of body wastes. A stoma pouch, or bag, adheres to the skin surrounding the stoma to collect body wastes. This can lead to a variety of skin problems that can often be treated using Trio’s ‘sting-free’ silicone-based products.

In 2011, Trio was presented with the Queen’s Award for outstanding achievement in international trade. ConvaTec, based in Skillman, New Jersey, US, develops and markets medical technologies for community and hospital care.

John Holden and Duncan Firman, from law firm Gordons, which has offices in Leeds and Bradford, advised shareholders of Trio Healthcare International on the sale. Mr Holden said: “We’re pleased to have helped deliver a key deal for a Yorkshire-based business, performing at the leading edge in its specialist field. Trio Healthcare products are already sold in more than 20 countries.”

A spokesman at Trio said the company had eight staff and turnover was £2.5m in the year to March 31, 2012.