Metropolis Healthcare Limited (NSE: METROPOLIS | BSE: 542650), India’s second-largest pathology laboratory chain led by Ameera Shah, has completed its fourth acquisition in the past 10 months with the addition of Dr R.S. Patil’s Ambika Pathology Laboratory in Kolhapur. The NABL-accredited facility has joined the Metropolis network through a Business Transfer Agreement.Established in 1995 by Dr Rajendra Sadashiv Patil, Ambika Pathology is one of the leading diagnostic providers in the region. It operates a central laboratory supported by 12 patient touchpoints and offers a wide range of tests. Nearly 75 per cent of its revenue comes from walk-in B2C patients, reflecting its strong trust among patients and clinicians in Kolhapur and neighbouring towns.The acquisition forms part of Metropolis’ “String of Pearls” strategy, which focuses on building regional clusters and improving access to advanced diagnostics across India. The Kolhapur facility will strengthen the company’s Western Maharashtra network, where it already operates 19 laboratories across Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Kolhapur, supported by over 200 patient service centres and a growing franchise base.Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson of Metropolis, said: “Maharashtra contributes nearly 40 per cent of our revenues, making it a key growth market. Ambika Pathology strengthens our regional presence and supports our ambition to make high-quality diagnostics accessible to more communities.”Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director of Metropolis, added: “Kolhapur is a critical healthcare hub. Ambika Pathology will be developed into a mini regional reference lab, enhancing our specialised diagnostics capabilities and enabling better outcomes through operational excellence and digital innovation.”Dr Rajendra Patil, Founder of Ambika Pathology, commented: “Joining Metropolis brings global standards of science and technology to our region. This collaboration will widen the scope of specialised tests and create new opportunities for patients and professionals in Western Maharashtra.”