Hims & Hers Health has announced plans to acquire Zava, a prominent European telehealth provider, as part of its broader strategy to expand into global markets. The deal, expected to close by mid-year, marks the company’s most significant move toward international expansion since its entry into the U.K. in 2021. While financial terms were not disclosed, more details will be shared in the company’s upcoming financial reports.
CEO Andrew Dudum described the acquisition as a strategic acceleration of Hims & Hers’ global ambitions. “We’re excited to take this moment to really accelerate both the European expansion, but also use this platform as an accelerant as we move into more markets,” Dudum said. He emphasized the importance of international growth during the company’s Q1 earnings call in May, pointing to early success in the U.K. as a sign of the company’s ability to scale abroad.
The acquisition of Zava will significantly expand Hims & Hers’ reach across Europe, extending services into Ireland, France, and Germany. With the addition of Zava’s 1.3 million customers, Hims & Hers’ active subscriber base will grow by approximately 50%, reaching a total of 3.7 million users worldwide.
Addressing Healthcare Demands in Europe
Zava, launched in 2011 by CEO David Meinertz, operates in several European countries and has grown steadily as demand for telehealth services rises. Meinertz believes the acquisition will allow Zava to better serve communities struggling with overwhelmed healthcare systems. “The medications are priced more competitively than in the U.S., so more people can actually afford it, and we are seeing a huge demand,” said Meinertz. “The demand is increasing with additional strains on the statutory systems that telehealth can alleviate.”
European statutory healthcare systems, typically funded through public insurance, provide universal coverage to residents. However, the growing burden on these systems has opened the door for telehealth platforms like Zava to fill the gaps, offering more immediate and accessible care options for non-emergency health needs.
Following the closing of the deal, Zava will retain its branding for several quarters before transitioning to the Hims & Hers brand. Meinertz will remain with the company, stepping into the role of general manager of international operations.
A Confident Bet on Global Healthcare Innovation
Despite global economic uncertainties prompting many companies to scale back, Hims & Hers remains committed to pushing forward with its international plans. CEO Andrew Dudum stressed that the current moment presents a unique opportunity for growth, particularly given the favorable conditions in Europe for pharmaceutical pricing and consumer access.
“The pricing on pharmaceuticals is so much more consumer advantageous in broader Europe relative to the U.S.,” Dudum said. He noted that Europe’s simpler insurance and pharmacy systems make it potentially easier to deliver personalized care than in the U.S., where insurance and pricing complexities can limit access.
With the Zava acquisition, Hims & Hers positions itself to not only scale its operations globally but also to contribute to transforming how healthcare is delivered across multiple markets.
