Hims & Hers Expands European Reach with Zava Acquisition
Discover how Hims & Hers’ acquisition of Zava accelerates its European telehealth expansion, adding 1.3 million customers and unlocking affordable, personalized care across multiple countries.
Key Takeaways
- Hims & Hers acquires Zava to boost European presence
- Deal adds 1.3 million customers, growing base by 50%
- Acquisition expands services to UK, Germany, France, Ireland
- Pharmaceutical pricing in Europe offers consumer advantages
- Zava’s CEO joins Hims & Hers as international GM
In a bold move to stretch its telehealth wings across the Atlantic, Hims & Hers Health announced its acquisition of London-based digital health platform Zava. This all-cash deal, expected to close by mid-2025, marks a significant leap in Hims & Hers’ global expansion strategy. Already boasting 2.4 million subscribers, the company will add roughly 1.3 million more through Zava, a platform serving the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland. CEO Andrew Dudum shared his excitement about leveraging Zava’s established European presence and technology to deliver personalized, affordable care tailored to dermatology, weight loss, sexual health, and mental health. This acquisition not only broadens Hims & Hers’ footprint but also taps into Europe’s more consumer-friendly pharmaceutical pricing, offering a fresh perspective on telehealth growth amid global healthcare challenges. Let’s unpack how this deal reshapes telehealth and what it means for patients and investors alike.
Accelerating European Expansion
Imagine a U.S.-based telehealth company with a clear mission: to make healthcare personal, accessible, and affordable worldwide. That’s Hims & Hers, and its recent acquisition of Zava is a turbo boost for its European ambitions. Founded in 2011, Zava has built a solid reputation across the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland, serving over 1.3 million active customers. By bringing Zava under its wing, Hims & Hers instantly grows its subscriber base by roughly 50%, from 2.4 million to nearly 3.7 million. CEO Andrew Dudum’s vision is clear—use Zava’s established presence and technology as a launchpad to enter more European markets soon. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about scaling a platform that understands local needs and delivers care tailored to diverse populations.
The deal, an all-cash transaction financed from Hims & Hers’ balance sheet, is expected to close by mid-2025. While the financial terms remain under wraps, the strategic value is evident. Zava’s brand will continue for a few quarters before transitioning to Hims & Hers branding, ensuring a smooth customer experience. David Meinertz, Zava’s founder and CEO, will become general manager of Hims & Hers’ international business, bringing his deep knowledge of European telehealth to the table. This leadership continuity signals a thoughtful integration, not a rushed takeover. For investors and customers alike, this acquisition is a clear signal that Hims & Hers is betting big on Europe’s telehealth future.
Leveraging Affordable Pharmaceuticals
One of the lesser-known but powerful drivers behind Hims & Hers’ European push is the pricing advantage on pharmaceuticals. Andrew Dudum pointed out that medication costs in Europe are generally more consumer-friendly compared to the U.S., where insurance complexities and pharmacy benefit managers often inflate prices. This pricing edge means Hims & Hers can offer accessible, personalized treatments overseas with potentially fewer barriers than at home.
Zava’s CEO David Meinertz echoed this sentiment, highlighting how telehealth platforms like Zava help alleviate pressure on Europe’s statutory healthcare systems. These public systems provide universal coverage but often face strains that telehealth can ease by offering competitive medication prices and convenient access. For patients, this translates to more affordable care options without the long waits or bureaucratic hurdles. For Hims & Hers, it’s a strategic advantage that challenges the myth that telehealth growth is hampered by regulatory or cost issues abroad. Instead, Europe’s landscape offers fertile ground for expanding digital health services that meet rising demand with cost-effective solutions.
Expanding Services Across Borders
Hims & Hers isn’t just buying customers; it’s buying a platform with deep local insights and a broad service portfolio. Zava’s medical team conducted nearly 2.3 million consultations in 2024 alone, delivering treatments across dermatology, weight loss, sexual health, and mental health. This aligns perfectly with Hims & Hers’ core offerings, enabling a seamless expansion of personalized digital health services across multiple European countries.
The acquisition opens doors to the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland, with plans to enter more markets soon. This multi-country footprint allows Hims & Hers to tailor its services to local languages and healthcare needs, a critical factor in telehealth success. The company’s approach challenges the misconception that telehealth is a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it embraces the complexity of diverse healthcare systems and patient expectations. By integrating Zava’s technology and customer understanding, Hims & Hers is set to transform access to care for millions, blending innovation with empathy in a way that resonates across borders.
Navigating Market and Industry Challenges
The telehealth industry faces headwinds, from regulatory hurdles to shifting demand patterns. In the U.S., restrictions on generic versions of popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy have complicated treatment offerings. Against this backdrop, Hims & Hers’ European expansion offers a strategic hedge and growth avenue. Europe’s statutory healthcare systems, while comprehensive, are under strain, creating demand for alternative care models like telehealth.
Zava’s CEO highlighted how telehealth can alleviate these pressures by providing competitive pricing and accessible care. This dynamic challenges the myth that telehealth growth is limited by regulatory or market saturation. Instead, it reveals a landscape ripe for innovation and expansion. Hims & Hers’ commitment to pushing forward despite macroeconomic uncertainty underscores confidence in this opportunity. The company’s shares rose notably after the announcement, reflecting investor belief in the strategy. This move illustrates how savvy companies can navigate industry challenges by embracing global markets and leveraging local strengths.
Integrating Leadership and Brand Strategy
Successful acquisitions hinge not just on numbers but on people and brand alignment. Hims & Hers is taking a measured approach by maintaining Zava’s brand for a few quarters post-acquisition before rebranding to Hims & Hers. This gradual transition respects existing customer relationships and eases integration challenges.
Moreover, David Meinertz stepping into the role of general manager for Hims & Hers’ international business ensures leadership continuity and deep regional expertise. This move signals a partnership mindset rather than a takeover, fostering trust among European customers and employees. It also positions Hims & Hers to adapt its offerings with nuanced understanding of local markets. This leadership integration is a subtle but crucial factor in the acquisition’s potential success, demonstrating that growth isn’t just about scale—it’s about thoughtful stewardship and cultural fit.
Long Story Short
Hims & Hers’ acquisition of Zava is more than a business transaction—it’s a strategic embrace of Europe’s evolving healthcare landscape. By adding 1.3 million active customers and expanding into key markets like Germany, France, and Ireland, the company is poised to deliver accessible, personalized treatments where traditional systems strain under demand. The move challenges the myth that telehealth growth is limited by regulatory or pricing hurdles; instead, it highlights how competitive European pharmaceutical pricing can unlock new opportunities. With Zava’s CEO stepping into a leadership role, the integration promises continuity and innovation. For investors, the positive market reaction signals confidence in Hims & Hers’ global vision. For patients, it means more affordable, tailored care just a click away. As telehealth continues to reshape healthcare, this acquisition sets a compelling example of how bold expansion and smart partnerships can create real-world impact.