The Firm is representing KKR in connection with its announced acquisition of a majority interest in Heartland Dental from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers’) and other existing shareholders. Under the terms, Ontario Teachers’ will retain sizeable ownership and will continue as a significant partner to the company. Heartland Dental’s Founder and Executive Chairman Dr. Rick Workman, President and CEO Patrick Bauer, as well as supported dentists and employees will also remain significant shareholders. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1997, Heartland Dental is the largest dental support organization in the United States, providing non-clinical administrative support services to over 840 offices and more than 1,300 supported dentists across 35 states.
The Simpson Thacher team includes Mark Pflug, Jihyun Chung and Erika Herman (M&A); James Cross, Adam Moss and Jonathan Kovacs (Credit); Richard Fenyes (Capital Markets); David Rubinsky, Patricia Adams and Jake Phillips (ECEB); Sophie Staples and Nicole Humphrey (Tax); Lori Lesser and Kate Stein (IP); Krista McManus and Dennis Loiacono (Real Estate); Adeeb Fadil and Noreen Lavan (Environmental); and Peter Guryan, Kelly Karapetyan, Ellen Frye and Daniel Owsley (Antitrust).