Members of the FOCUS Healthcare team counted approximately 25 closed dermatology transactions in 2020. Of those, fifteen were for small single-dermatologist practices. Ten deals were for two-dermatology practices, and five deals were for three-to six physician groups.
Gastroenterology deals have been accelerating, with eight closed transactions in Q4 2020 and another eight already closed (as of Jan 19) in 2021. We believe this will be a very big year for GI.
In many ways, the third wave of private equity investment in physician-owned businesses is starting to mature. We view this third wave as having started around 2015 with investments in ophthalmology and dermatology practices. Earlier investments in radiology and emergency medicine, or pure-play ASCs, are really part of an earlier wave.
The FOCUS healthcare team represents medical practices and ancillary businesses in specialties where private equity-backed consolidation is occurring. We track activity in key verticals and maintain strong relationships with private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
A comprehensive view of ophthalmology's recovery from the pandemic shutdown. We review changes in elective surgery, the emerging investor interest in retina practices, private equity acquisition activity, geographic development, and changes to acquisition practice size. As the COVID-19 fog begins to clear, we see significant near-term promise and a potential return to record deal levels.
After seven strong years, private equity investment in dermatology has been in decline since 2019. Now, elective procedure bans and shelter-in-place orders have practice owners wondering if the opportunity to sell has passed. This paper examines the differing views on pe-backed consolidation, key performance indicators, investor activity, and saturation by geography and practice size. We see several positive factors for our current and potential clients within a coming private equity player restructuring.
