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SME Capital funds 3 acquisitions for dental services specialists SDS Swiss UK 

SME Capital are thrilled to be supporting the UK arm of Portuguese based Swiss Dental Services (SDS) with their continued roll out in the UK.

SDS provide specialist dentist services concentrating on advanced total oral rehabilitation, typically consisting of dental treatments that aim to restore patients' oral health, with dental implants the most common solution.

Typically, treatments allow for the repair of full or partial tooth loss using dental implants and fixed prosthesis. Whilst concentrating predominantly on dental implants, small amounts of revenues are generated from Invisalign treatments, endodontist treatments and other aesthetic/cosmetic dentistry treatments. All treatments are completed by fully qualified and GDC (General Dental Council) registered dentists. 

Their model has been prudently split into phases:

- Phase1: research the local market
- Phase 2: set up a partnership with a local clinic (renting 1/2 chairs)
- Phase 3: acquire a local clinic (thereby avoiding delays & building on an existing client base) 
- Phase 4: squat/ greenfield clinics (Croydon site expected to be open early 2023)

The company entered the UK market in 2017 and had been operating from two rented 'chairs' since 2018 in London based clinics. Subsequently SDS acquired 'Lister House' in Wimpole Street, London in July 2021 (a 3-chair private practice, thus increasing the number of chairs to 5). 

SME Capital have agreed a 7-figure bespoke funding package, to fund the acquisition of three companies owning the lease & fittings of a 5 -chair practice 31 Harley St, London & provide further development capital.

SDS Team - SME Capital

Commenting on the announcement, Cristina Sabau, Head of UK Commercial Expansion and Operations, said “We are grateful to SME Capital to have supported us in our ambitious journey of a buy-and-build post pandemic strategy. These acquisitions will enable us to offer our specialist, bespoke treatments to a higher number of patients, in immediate need for treatment; as well as wealth and job creation."

Stuart Watson, Regional Director for SME Capital, added “SDS have a proven record in this sector in Europe & are now well placed to continue their roll out of specialist clinics in the UK. We have been pleased to support SDS in these acquisitions with a bespoke five-year loan including both a capital repayment holiday and bullet repayment structure to help with the initial integration and maximise cash headroom given current macro-economic uncertainty. Thanks to all involved, particularly Andrea Unwin & Carly Brown at our lawyers, Clarion.”

If you would like to discuss acquisition financing in more detail or our wider funding capabilities do get in touch.

About SME Capital

SME Capital was founded to support the growing number of SMEs who face difficulty or frustration in accessing capital through traditional methods. We understand the importance of real and trusted relationships in the SME lending market and have dedicated Regional Directors based across the UK. By combining traditional lending expertise with the latest in data analytics, we are supporting established UK SMEs with their long-term objectives and business ambitions.

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December 2022

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