Femcare-Nikomed, part of the Femcare Group, manufactures and supplies the “filshie clip” system for female contraception. The deal represents a two times capital return for Barclays Private Equity, according to a statement from the fim.

More than 10 million filshie clips have been successfully used since launching in 1982. Femcare also supplies disposable surgical and laparoscopic instruments, and urological disposable products.

Barclays Private Equity backed the buy-out of Femcare in 2004 and introduced a new senior management team in 2005 including chief executive Roy Smith. The business has a strong international focus, with 70 per cent of sales from outside the UK and it has the potential for more growth following the approval of the clip system in Brazil and Korea.

Barclays Private Equity director Phil Griesbach comments, ‘We have enjoyed working with the management team at Femcare, which has successfully driven the business forward through intelligent product development and geographical expansion.’