BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Audax Private Equity (“Audax”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Lifemark Health Group (“Lifemark” or the “Company”), a leading provider of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and medical assessments in Canada, to Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw").
Headquartered in Toronto, ON, Lifemark is a leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services. With over 20 years of service, Lifemark is one of the largest and most trusted providers in Canada. As a national healthcare company, Lifemark employs over 5,000 highly trained clinicians, medical experts, and team members in over 300 locations across Canada.
Since partnering with Audax in December 2015, Lifemark has completed over 50 acquisitions, broadened its service offering, and significantly expanded its national footprint. In partnership with Audax, Lifemark also invested heavily in the organic growth of its platform, systems, and key talent to support and sustain continued success.
“Peter and the Lifemark team created a phenomenal business built on the foundation of excellent clinical service,” said Keith Palumbo, Managing Director at Audax Private Equity. “The outpatient physical therapy industry remains highly fragmented and vast, and we’re very proud of the growth we were able to achieve at Lifemark through facility utilization gains, geographic expansion, new services, and acquisitions. We wish them all the best as they continue their journey with Loblaw."
“At Lifemark, we continually look for the most impactful ways to support Canadians on their healthcare journey, and we are grateful to our partners at Audax for helping us to invest in and develop opportunities that advance physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Canada,” said Peter Stymiest, Chief Executive Officer of Lifemark Health Group. “We look forward to what the future holds for our patients, clients, and team in partnership with Loblaw.”
The sale of Lifemark is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.
Harris Williams is serving as financial advisor and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP are acting as legal advisors to Audax Private Equity.
About Audax Private Equity
Audax Group is a leading alternative investment manager with offices in Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has raised over $30 billion in capital across its Private Equity and Private Debt businesses. Audax Private Equity has invested over $9 billion in 150 platforms and over 1,050 add-on companies, and is currently investing out of its $3.5 billion, sixth private equity fund. Through its disciplined Buy & Build approach, Audax Private Equity seeks to help platform companies execute add-on acquisitions that fuel revenue growth, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value. With more than 300 employees, Audax is a leading capital partner for North American middle market companies. For more information, visit the Audax Private Equity website: www.audaxprivateequity.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Lifemark Health Group
Lifemark Health Group is a Canadian leader in community rehabilitation, workplace health and wellness and medical assessment services. With over 20 years of service excellence, Lifemark Health Group is a comprehensive and trusted health provider with 3 million patient visits annually, and employs over 5,000 highly trained clinicians, medical experts and team members.
As Canada's largest physiotherapy company, Lifemark is passionate about enriching the health of Canadians through movement. Lifemark's commitment to health and wellness extends beyond patient care, to the entire team, as evidenced through an award-winning culture.
