Great Expressions Expands Operations in NY and NJ with Acquisition of Exceldent

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – March 12, 2012 – Great Expressions Dental Centers is excited to announce that it has acquired New York-based dental practice management company Exceldent, which includes 19 dental practice locations across three states (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut).

The acquisition of Exceldent brings the total number of Great Expressions offices to 170 and expands its coverage to include nine different states joining existing locations in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia.

“We see great potential in the Northeast region,” said Great Expressions CEO Richard Beckman. “Like Great Expressions, Exceldent has lived up to its vision of being the leading business partner to dental practices in the New York Metropolitan “Tri-State Area” and delivering outstanding patient care. We look forward to combining its existing staff and infrastructure with our experience and resources to further improve patient care throughout the region.”

“By affiliating with Great Expressions Dental Centers, Exceldent is joining one of the leading dental group practices, which shares our commitment to clinical excellence and patient care,” said Exceldent President and CEO, Dr. Steve Candell. “Great Expressions’ acquisition and operational experience will be a valuable resource for us as we begin our next stage of growth.”

Great Expressions was acquired by OMERS Private Equity in October 2011. “Through the acquisition of Exceldent, Great Expressions will expand its footprint in the Northeast region, while strengthening its existing operations,” said Michael Graham, Senior Managing Director and Head of U.S. Private Equity for OMERS. “We are excited to work with the Exceldent management team to integrate the operations of Exceldent with Great Expressions.”

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Great Expressions is a leading dental practice management company, now with affiliated dental offices in nine states across the Midwest, South and Northeast. In the past four years, the company has strategically grown by adding and successfully integrating 98 offices through 11 acquisitions. These acquisitions have helped land Great Expressions on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in America each of the last three years. With more than 1,800 clinical and support staff, Great Expressions’ affiliated dental offices provide all facets of dental services, including general and preventative care focused on the highest quality patient care, affordable prices and convenient locations.

About Great Expressions

For more than 35 years, Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) has been exceeding patients’ expectations with 150 dental centers in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia. One of the largest privately owned dental practice management companies in the United States, GEDC prides itself in being able to maintain the dedication and core values found in small, hometown dental practices. For more information, go to www.greatexpressions.com.

About OMERS Private Equity

Operating under the OMERS Worldwide brand, OMERS Private Equity manages the private equity activities of OMERS and has over $6.3 billion of investments under management. The group’s investment strategy includes the active ownership of businesses in North America and Europe. OMERS Private Equity is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in New York and London. For further information visit: www.omerspe.com.

About OMERS

OMERS is one of Canada’s largest pension funds with over $55.1 billion in net assets. It provides first-class pension administration and innovative products and services to almost 420,000 members. Approximately one in every 20 employees working in the province of Ontario is an OMERS member. Through the OMERS Worldwide brand, our team of investment professionals uses a direct drive, active management investment strategy to invest in public and private market assets, including publicly-traded equities, fixed-income, infrastructure, private equity and real estate. For more information, please visit www.omers.com, or www.omersworldwide.com.

Contact:
Natalie Stavale
Jennifer Cherry
Marx Layne & Company
248-855-6777 – Office
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