According to promoter and executive chairperson Ameera Shah, Metropolis Healthcare, a leading diagnostics chain in India is looking to project an ambitious growth, with plans to acquire two to three companies each year. This strategic move aims to boost the company’s footprint, particularly in northern and eastern India, while sharpening its expertise in specialized medical testing fields such as oncology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, gynecology, and infectious diseases.
Metropolis Healthcare Annual Acquisition Plan: A Bold Vision for Growth
In an exclusive interview with The Economic Times, Shah outlined Metropolis Healthcare’s roadmap for the coming years. The company, already a trusted name in diagnostics with a network spanning 750 towns and cities, intends to deepen its presence in underserved regions.
“We’re generating ₹200-300 crore in cash annually, which gives us the financial muscle to pursue acquisitions,” Shah stated.
She emphasized that Metropolis remains debt-free, positioning it to fund these expansions through internal resources.
The acquisition strategy is part of a broader plan to tap into high-growth markets and enhance the company’s specialty testing portfolio. Shah highlighted that the focus will be on strengthening Metropolis’s capabilities in advanced diagnostics, a sector poised for significant demand as healthcare needs evolve across India.
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Expanding the Network
Metropolis Healthcare has already made remarkable strides in recent years, growing its reach from 300 towns and cities to 750 in just two years. Its network of collection centers has nearly doubled to 4,500 over the past four years.
Looking ahead, the company plans to add 100 new towns, including tier-2 and tier-3 markets, and establish 800 additional collection centers along with new laboratories by FY26.
To support this expansion, Metropolis is committing between ₹75 crore and ₹150 crore in capital expenditure over the next two years.
“Our investments will focus on cutting-edge molecular platforms, AI-driven tools, and automation to enhance efficiency and patient care,” Shah explained.
This push aligns with the company’s goal of scaling its lab network, particularly in North and East India, where it sees untapped potential.
Recent Acquisitions by Metropolis Fuel Momentum
Metropolis has already set its acquisition strategy in motion. Late last year, the company acquired Core Diagnostics, a Delhi NCR-based leader in specialized cancer diagnostics, for ₹247 crore. Earlier this month, it announced the purchase of Scientific Pathology in Agra for an all-cash deal valued between ₹55 crore and ₹83 crore. These moves are expected to boost Metropolis’s revenue share from northern India to 13-14% by FY26, up from the current 8%.
Shah noted that these acquisitions are not just about geographic expansion but also about deepening expertise. “Core Diagnostics strengthens our oncology offerings, while Scientific Pathology gives us a foothold in Western Uttar Pradesh,” she said. The company plans to maintain its stronghold in western and southern India while pushing deeper into smaller markets to solidify its leadership position.
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Revenue Goals and Market Position
Metropolis Healthcare is on track to achieve ₹1,300-1,350 crore in revenue for the current fiscal year, with Shah projecting a jump to ₹1,700-1,750 crore in the next fiscal. This growth places Metropolis as a strong contender in India’s diagnostics sector, though it trails the market leader, Dr. Lal PathLabs, which is expected to clock ₹2,300-2,400 crore this year.
Despite the competitive landscape, Shah remains confident. “Our focus on specialty testing and organic growth in new regions sets us apart,” she said. The company’s hub-and-spoke model, offering over 4,000 test varieties, continues to drive its success, particularly in the West and South, where it enjoys a robust consumer brand.
Leveraging Technology for the Future
A key pillar of Metropolis’s strategy is its investment in advanced diagnostics technology. Shah emphasized the role of automation in streamlining operations, reducing turnaround times, and optimizing costs.
“We’re integrating high-end specialty diagnostics with AI tools to ensure scalability and superior patient outcomes,” she added.
This forward-thinking approach positions Metropolis to meet the rising demand for precise, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
Why This Matters
India’s diagnostics industry is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by increasing health awareness and a growing need for specialized testing. Metropolis Healthcare’s aggressive expansion aligns with these trends, positioning it to capture a larger share of the market. With a debt-free balance sheet and a clear focus on both organic and inorganic growth, the company is poised to redefine diagnostics in India.
As Ameera Shah leads Metropolis into its next chapter, industry watchers will be keenly observing how these acquisitions and investments translate into long-term value. For now, the diagnostics giant shows no signs of slowing down, with its sights set on becoming an indispensable part of India’s healthcare ecosystem.
