Uncertainty in the healthcare industry, increased regulation, decreases in reimbursement, and competition from the large publicly traded corporations are just a few of the challenges facing healthcare services businesses today. To be better positioned to weather the uncertainty of Obamacare, sweeping Medicare cuts, and unforeseen changes, several large strategic buyers are actively acquiring regional competitors. This aggressive effort to capture market share is driving a rapid consolidation of the industry. As a result, the valuations of small and mid-sized healthcare services companies are at record levels.
Dealing directly with large healthcare corporate buyers like LabCorp, Quest, Apria Healthcare, Genentech, McKesson, etc., can be intimidating and unproductive. Large corporations and private equity groups staff acquisition departments with professional negotiators. The acquisition review of healthcare businesses is unique, and due diligence process is intense and very invasive to the daily operations. Knowing how to protect your company’s confidential information, including patient confidentiality (HIPAA), as well as what information to give the potential buyer and at what point in the process, requires experience. A strong background in acquisition negotiation is essential in securing the best valuation and purchase structure for your healthcare business. This is where we excel.
Meritage Partners, Inc. specializes in representing small and mid-sized healthcare services, diagnostic services, anatomic pathology, and clinical laboratory businesses looking to position themselves for acquisition. Our company was founded with a specific focus on healthcare diagnostic businesses. Over the years we have expanded to include acquisition advisors in several market segments, but healthcare services, clinical diagnostic laboratory, and anatomic pathology laboratory businesses remain the core of our services.
Craig K. Trask, a managing partner at Meritage Partners, and Brian T. Franco, Meritage Partner’s founder, manage all aspects of our healthcare services clients personally.