Ziegler Provides Financial Advisory for Preferred Vascular Group Acquired by Surgery Partners

Ziegler's Strategic Role in the Acquisition

In a significant development in the healthcare sector, Ziegler, a renowned specialty investment bank, has announced its role as the exclusive financial advisor for Preferred Vascular Group (PVG) in its acquisition by Surgery Partners (NASDAQ: SGRY). This move marks a vital investment into a key segment of the healthcare system: dialysis access procedures.

Background on Preferred Vascular Group

Founded in 2005 by Don Holton, PVG has grown to become a leader in Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) operations, specially focusing on dialysis access. With facilities located in Georgia and Ohio, the company operates eight ASCs that are designed to provide high-quality outpatient care for patients requiring dialysis. This focus arose from Holton's recognition of a critical need in the dialysis care ecosystem, allowing PVG to fill a significant gap.

The centers boast a skilled team comprising 16 physicians and over 160 employees. Together, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional clinical outcomes, thereby providing valuable services to patients, nephrologists, and dialysis clinics alike. The acquisition by Surgery Partners offers an exciting opportunity to broaden the reach and impact of PVG's services, particularly in the context of the $6 billion dialysis access market, which facilitates over two million procedures each year.

Implications of the Acquisition

The strategic partnership with Surgery Partners not only strengthens PVG's operational capabilities but also enhances Surgery Partners' footprint in the vascular care market. The management team at PVG is set to continue leading operations while collaborating closely with Surgery Partners to drive growth and innovation. This partnership signifies a major step toward improving patient access to critical dialysis services across a national network of surgical centers.

Dustin Greene, CEO of PVG, has expressed appreciation for Ziegler's support throughout this intricate process. He notes, "Ziegler was not only a highly skilled advisor; they became an integral part of our team. The outcome of selling to a publicly traded and nationally scaled short-stay surgical platform could not have been achieved without this collaboration."

Ziegler's Commitment to Healthcare Investment

Ziegler's Healthcare Investment Banking team has made a significant mark in the industry by providing tailored advisory and financing solutions to companies operating in healthcare. The firm specializes in areas such as healthcare services, hospitals, and senior living, making it one of the most active M&A firms in these sectors. Andrew Colbert, Senior Managing Director at Ziegler, emphasized the importance of this acquisition not just for PVG, but for the broader healthcare landscape. He stated, "PVG is a differentiated ASC operator uniquely positioned in the vascular space through its focus on dialysis access procedures, which address critical pain points in the dialysis care ecosystem. Its services drive substantial value to patients, payors, and nephrologists."

With this acquisition, Ziegler has reinforced its reputation in facilitating strategic partnerships that aim to create better healthcare outcomes. The combined efforts of PVG and Surgery Partners are expected to lead to enhanced service delivery, improved patient experiences, and a stronger position within the healthcare market as they strive for growth in the years to come.

Legal Counsel and Future Directions

In this notable transaction, legal counsel for PVG was provided by Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arnoff, LLP, while Surgery Partners turned to McDermott Will & Emery for legal guidance. This transaction underscores the ongoing commitment of Ziegler and its partners to advancing healthcare solutions that benefit various stakeholders across the industry.

For more information on Ziegler and its various offerings, visit their website at Ziegler.com.