FJG advises on four-practice dental management buyout as next generation takes business forward

Fisher Jones Greenwood has advised SAS Dent Limited on the management buyout of four established dental and orthodontic practices in Chelmsford.

The transaction brings the four established practices together under a single corporate structure, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for SAS Dent Limited as it builds on the strong foundations of the existing businesses and looks towards their continued development and long-term success.

The acquisition marks an important milestone in the history of the practices, with ownership from Tony Clough to the next generation of the family. Having worked alongside Tony for many years, his son Thomas Clough and nephew Anthony Barrett have both played a significant role in developing the businesses and will now take them forward under SAS Dent Limited.

Anthony Barrett and Thomas Clough, Directors of SAS Dent Limited, said:

“This is an incredibly proud moment for us both and the culmination of several years of hard work.

“Having dedicated our professional lives to these practices, we are immensely proud of what we have helped build and excited to now take ownership and shape their future.

“Our ambition is to build on the strong foundations already in place, continuing to invest in our practices, support our fantastic teams and deliver the highest standards of dental care to our patients and the local community.

“Natasha, Shweta, Ashton and the wider team at Fisher Jones Greenwood have been exceptional throughout this complex transaction. Their professionalism, dedication and practical approach have been invaluable in helping us reach a successful completion. Their support was a significant factor in the successful delivery of the transaction.”

“We are incredibly excited about the future and the opportunities ahead.”

Fisher Jones Greenwood advised SAS Dent throughout the transaction, which involved a series of interconnected acquisitions and a number of legal and commercial workstreams.

The team worked closely with the purchaser, its lenders and other advisers on the legal due diligence and acquisition documentation, alongside the financing and completion arrangements required to bring the transaction together.

FJG worked closely with Stuart Sheldrick, Head of Corporate Finance at Affinia, who advised SAS Dent Limited on the structuring and finance aspects of the deal.

The FJG team was led by Natasha Bhandari, Senior Associate, working closely with Ashton Carter, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial. Maisie Barnes and Sophie Grimmer, Solicitor Apprentices, also supported the transaction.

Shweta Shinde advised on the real estate aspects of the transaction with assistance from Anna Newell.

Natasha said: “It has been a pleasure to support SAS Dent Limited on this important acquisition.

“Bringing four businesses together in one transaction involved a number of connected legal and commercial considerations, so it was particularly rewarding to help the client work through that process and reach a successful completion.

“We look forward to seeing the businesses continue to develop as part of the wider SAS Dent group.”

Fisher Jones Greenwood’s Corporate and Commercial team has experience advising clients across the healthcare sector, including dental practices and other healthcare businesses.

The firm regularly supports business owners and management teams on acquisitions and disposals, including management buyouts, with commercially focused advice throughout the transaction process.