Bilt and Schmidt back at the helm of Smile Brands

Steve Bilt and Bradley Schmidt are back in charge at Smile Brands.  Back in June of 2015, Bilt and Schmidt were chosen to head up OneSmile, a start up DSO focused on acquiring practices in the Western US.  Private equity firm Gryphon Investors helped fund OneSmile.  Fast forward to August of 2016, and Gryphon, Bilt and Schmidt are back at it with Smile Brands.  OneSmile and Smile Brands will operate together with OneSmile focusing on acquiring existing dental practices in the Western US.

Mr. Bilt, a 17-year veteran of the dental industry and OneSmile’s CEO, will become CEO of Smile Brands, a position he held in his previous tenure at that company. Mr. Schmidt, OneSmile’s CFO, will take on the role of Smile Brands’ CFO, a position he too held previously.

Mr. Bilt, who is also a founding member and former director and president of the ADSO, said, “Brad and I are excited to rejoin the company we helped to found in 1998 and to work again with its talented and dedicated group of professionals. Dental care makes a critical difference in people’s lives, and Smile Brands makes that care accessible. With this outstanding team, our committed capital partners, and our experience in this industry, we will continue to pursue our mission of delivering Smiles for everyone.”

OneSmile’s investment criteria, from a physical perspective, includes a preference for visible practices in retail centers or free standing buildings on highly trafficked routes that potential patients see during their daily routines. They prefer the practices to have between six and ten operatories to accommodate multiple doctors, hygiene and specialty services. They believe that patients appreciate the ability to access all of their dental services under one roof at convenient locations and in clean, simple facilities with current technology.

Nick Orum, Gryphon’s President and Head of its Healthcare Group, said, “This is an exciting time to re-enter the dental sector, where we invested successfully in the past, and we believe we are well-positioned to add value. We look forward to working again with a company and leadership team we know well and hold in high regard.”

Luke Schroeder, a Principal in Gryphon’s Healthcare Group, added, “Smile Brands is bringing healthy smiles to millions of Americans who seek access to high quality, comprehensive general and specialty dental care. We are pleased to support Steve and Brad with Gryphon’s financial and operational resources as they continue to expand and enhance that model.”

Houlihan Lokey acted as the financial advisor to Gryphon, and Moelis & Company LLC as the financial advisor to Smile Brands Group, Inc. Kirkland & Ellis, LLP acted as the legal advisor to Gryphon and Ropes & Gray LLP was the legal advisor to Smile Brands Group, Inc.

About Smile Brands

Based in Irvine California, Smile Brands Inc. is one of the largest providers of support services to dental groups in the United States. Smile Brands Inc. provides comprehensive business support services through exclusive long term agreements with affiliate dental groups, so dentists can spend more time caring for their patients and less time on the administrative, marketing and financial aspects of operating a dental practice. Smile Brands supports nearly 350 Bright Now!® Dental, Monarch Dental®, and Castle Dental® offices in 17 states nationwide.

About Gryphon Investors

Based in San Francisco, Gryphon Investors is a leading private equity firm focused on profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management. For four consecutive years, Gryphon has been ranked in Preqin’s prestigious quarterly PE report as one of North America’s top-decile firms based on consistency of strong investment returns. With over $2 billion of cumulative equity commitments, the firm has an extensive track record of leading equity investments of $35 million to $150 million per portfolio company with sales ranging from approximately $50 million to $500 million. Gryphon prioritizes investment opportunities where it can form proactive partnerships with owners and executives to build leading companies, utilizing Gryphon’s capital, specialized professional resources, and operational expertise.

Source: Business Wire, Gryphon, OneSmile Matters, Smile Bhttps://www.smilebrands.com/rands Inc.