The U.S. wellness economy has officially surpassed $2 trillion, marking a new era of consumer-driven healthcare. This shift is redefining how Americans think about health and reshaping the boundaries of traditional healthcare delivery. As a leading lower-middle market healthcare M&A advisory firm, Meritage Partners is tracking how this shift is unlocking new opportunities for investors, operators, and strategic buyers across the healthcare services spectrum.
A $2 Trillion Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Investors
According to the Global Wellness Institute, the U.S. now makes up one-third of the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy. Consumers are spending more than ever on prevention, performance, and longevity. This growth extends across sectors like digital mental health, wellness real estate, and personalized care models.
Why it matters: The explosion in wellness spending is blurring the lines between healthcare and consumer health. For dealmakers, that means new, cross-sector M&A opportunities that were once considered niche are now in play.
Sectors Driving Growth
At Meritage Partners, we see three wellness segments that are generating significant M&A momentum:
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Mental Health & Digital Therapeutics
Demand for virtual therapy and AI-driven behavioral health tools continues to rise. These platforms are attracting strong interest from both private equity groups and strategic buyers. -
Wellness-Focused Primary Care
Concierge medicine, integrative health, and lifestyle-based care models are gaining traction—especially when combined with remote monitoring and telehealth. -
Wellness Real Estate & Senior Living
Communities designed around wellness—ranging from active aging developments to bio-optimized environments—are emerging as attractive healthcare-adjacent investments.
A Strategic Inflection Point for Healthcare M&A
Wellness is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s core to how Americans manage their health. As competition increases across the healthcare M&A landscape, wellness-focused businesses stand out for their:
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Consumer engagement
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Cash-pay revenue models
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Strong unit economics
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High growth potential
Interested in learning more about healthcare M&A?
Reach out to the Meritage Partners team to explore active deals and emerging opportunities.