The Dental Buying Group in private equity deal

A WINSFORD-based dental products and services company has been bought by private equity firm Synova Capital for an undisclosed sum.

The Dental Buying Group, which employs more than 70 people at its Winsford headquarters, operates a membership model providing services to more than 4,500 dental practices across the UK.

Members pay an annual fee to access its products and services, including dental engineering, radiography, health and safety provision and training and compliance services.

Synova has backed DBG’s existing management team, led by chief executive, John Rochford.

Mr Rochford said: “DBG provides through our highly skilled team, a unique set of services and products to over a third of dental practices across the UK.

“I believe that the legislative changes targeted at the dental sector combined with a number of new products and services that we will bring to market will generate significant growth over the next few years. Partnering with Synova during this period will provide us with the financial resources and strategic direction to realise that growth potential.”

A team from the Manchester office of Clearwater Corporate Finance advised Synova. It developed DBG’s future business plan, along with the management team, and sourced senior debt facilities from the Co-operative Bank to support the transaction.

Mike Reeves, partner at Clearwater, said: “During recent years, the dental industry has become subject to an ever-increasing volume and variety of regulations. DBG aims to ease this burden for dentists and practice managers by keeping them informed and providing timely and cost-effective purchasing, servicing and training solutions.

“With a track record of strong organic growth, DBG provides an attractive investment opportunity for Synova. Led by a highly experienced management team, many of whom have been with the business since its inception 20 years ago, the company can now look to fulfil its growth potential over the next few years.”