Dental Company HuFriedyGroup Acquired by an Affiliate of Peak Rock Capital

HuFriedyGroup, well known in the dental industry as a leader in hand instruments and infection control products, is being acquired by an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital. The affiliate of the middle-market private equity firm announced Thursday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the dental segment of STERIS plc—HuFriedyGroup.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, HuFriedyGroup was founded in 1908 and is a leading global manufacturer of instrument management systems and conscious sedation products for the dental industry, in addition to a vast portfolio of hand instruments and infection control solutions. The company has industry leading brands, including Hu-Friedy, Crosstex, Omnia, and Accutron, and serves customers in about 100 countries. HuFriedyGroup is supported by a base of around 1,500 employees across over 20 global manufacturing facilities and locations. Clinicians and hygienists have used their products for decades as the company has built a strong reputation in the industry for its high quality, broad product offerings, efficient workflow solutions, and ergonomic instrument designs.

“HuFriedyGroup’s differentiated brands, high-quality product offerings, strong customer base, and outstanding team make this a highly compelling investment opportunity,” Spencer Moore, managing director of Peak Rock Capital, says in a press release. “We look forward to partnering with the management team and employees to drive further new product innovation and accelerated organic growth. We’re also excited to help the team pursue complimentary acquisitions to extend the product and brand portfolio.”

Andy Xilas, president of HuFriedyGroup, adds, “Peak Rock has a long track record of helping companies accelerate growth and a shared vision of supporting our employees in providing leading products to the dental industry. Their ability to constructively navigate the complexities of a carve-out transaction gives us great confidence as we work to complete the separation from STERIS. We believe our partnership with Peak Rock will help HuFriedyGroup continue its mission of helping dental professionals around the world be Best in Practice through world-class products, services, education, and communities that result in superior clinician performance, optimal clinical outcomes, and enhanced safety for clinicians and patients.”

Peak Rock Chief Executive Officer Anthony DiSimone says, "This investment exemplifies Peak Rock's deep experience and capability in executing complex carve-out transactions. It also highlights our continuing efforts to expand our investments in resilient businesses in the healthcare sector. We believe that HuFriedyGroup represents an excellent platform for growth through near-term organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.”

Peak Rock Capital, with headquarters in Austin, Texas and in London, makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Its equity investment platform focuses on opportunities where it can support senior management to drive rapid growth and profit improvement, with expertise in corporate carve-outs and partnering with families and founders seeking first-time institutional capital, according to the company.