By Published On: February 26, 2020

Investor Entry Over Time

The number of private equity firms investing in gastroenterology practices and surgery centers doubled in 2019. As of the end of 2019, six PE firms were actively investing in the space with three new firms entering in the last three quarters of 2019.

Given the unique makeup of gastroenterology in terms of physician size, market coverage and acquisition opportunity, we believe a significant number of new PE investors will enter in 2020.

Number of PE Firms Investing in Gastroenterology

Names of Investing Companies

  • Gastro Health
  • GI Alliance
  • United Digestive
  • S. Digestive Health
  • Capital Digestive Care
  • Peak Gastroenterology Associates

Private Equity Firms and the Practice Management Company Approach

Private equity firms usually create a subsidiary Practice Management Company within their portfolios to acquire and manage ophthalmology practices and ambulatory surgery centers. Most transactions include some equity ownership in that parent management company.

The combination of the private equity firm names and the new practice management company names can be confusing and is simplified below.

To learn more about our healthcare investment banking services or to discuss your specific situation with no obligation please feel free to call.  We are happy to share our knowledge and help you understand your options. All conversations are strictly confidential.

Photo: Eric YetterEric Yetter

FOCUS Managing Director and Healthcare Team Leader

Direct: 615-477-4741

 

Eric Yetter is an investment banker focused on healthcare. His practice includes healthcare provider services, home health and hospice, and behavioral health. Mr. Yetter has completed a variety of healthcare transactions, many with private equity firms and PE-backed companies. His past clients include leading physician groups, healthcare facilities, and institutional healthcare investors. Mr. Yetter founded Physicians First in 2016, recognizing the emerging need for investment banking and advisory services for owners of physician practices, surgery centers and clinical businesses. The next four years saw record levels of physician-owner M&A activity and Physicians First became one of the nation’s most active advisors for transactions between private equity firms and medical practices. In 2021, Mr. Yetter agreed to merge Physicians First with FOCUS and lead the firm’s healthcare team. Mr. Yetter also has healthcare operating and investing experience. He was an early executive at Covenant Physician Partners (previously Covenant Surgical Partners), an acquirer and operator of ambulatory surgery centers and physician practices. The company built and operated an outsourced laboratory, an anesthesia business, and a revenue cycle management company. Covenant has grown into a major player in healthcare services and is currently backed by private equity firm KKR. Prior to Covenant, Mr. Yetter held operating roles at Volkswagen Group of America and Brainlab, Inc., an image guided surgery company. While at Brainlab, Mr. Yetter worked with leading neurosurgeons and hospitals to implement cutting edge technology and improve patient outcomes. Mr. Yetter is a licensed attorney (currently inactive) and earned JD and BS degrees from Vanderbilt University, graduating with high honors. He is a FINRA licensed investment banker.