RoundTable News

RoundTable Healthcare Parthers Leads Portfolio Company Add-On Acquisition (Aspen)


Aspen Surgical Completes Acquisition of Wound Care and Ophthalmics Business of Unomedical Ltd.

LAKE FOREST, IL, February 27, 2009 — RoundTable Healthcare Partners (“RoundTable”), an operating-oriented private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry, announced today that its portfolio company Aspen Surgical Products Holding, Inc. (“Aspen”) completed the acquisition of the Wound Care and Ophthalmics business of Unomedical Limited (“Unomedical”) based in Redditch, U.K. Unomedical markets a portfolio of branded advanced woundcare products through a direct salesforce primarily in the U.K., as well as throughout Europe and into the United States. Unomedical is also one of the top global producers of ophthalmic cannulae and specialty needles.   The business will continue to be operated by a strong management team in the U.K., led by Managing Director Gareth Wood.  Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The Unomedical acquisition presents Aspen with an opportunity to strategically grow our business,” said Greg Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of Aspen.  “Their highly regarded brands will enhance our advanced woundcare offering, and will provide us with an opportunity to expand the distribution of our products within Europe. This acquisition, coupled with Aspen’s existing Ultracell product line, will position Aspen to be a leading provider of ophthalmic surgical products.”

“Unomedical is another example of a complementary acquisition made by Aspen,” said Joseph F. Damico, a Founding Partner of RoundTable and Chairman of the Board of Aspen. “This acquisition is an excellent fit with the broader strategy of building a medical and surgical product platform. Unomedical will extend Aspen’s international sales reach and increase the depth of their product portfolio.

”Unomedical represents the fifth transaction for Aspen since 2007.  Previously, Aspen acquired Ultracell Medical Technologies, Inc., manufacturer of PVA and cellulose Ophthalmic and ENT products, and Colby Manufacturing, maker of single-use fluid management and infection control products.   Aspen also acquired Precision Dynamics Corporation’s Skin and Lab Marker Product Line and Entaco Limited’s Surgical Needle Business.  With these acquisitions, Aspen has strengthened its product portfolio across several categories including Instrument Care, Patient and Staff Safety, Woundcare, O.R. Accessories, and Ophthalmic/ENT.

In addition to assisting Aspen management in the evaluation and execution of this acquisition, RoundTable financed the transaction with incremental equity and subordinated debt investments. The equity investment was from RoundTable’s $500 million Fund II, while the debt was sourced from the $200 million captive subordinated debt fund (the “Capital Fund”), which makes subordinated debt investments alongside the investments of RoundTable’s equity funds. Importantly, RoundTable was able to execute the transaction without relying on any third party financing, which provided greater certainty given current market conditions.

About RoundTable Healthcare Partners
RoundTable Healthcare Partners, Lake Forest, IL, is an operating-oriented private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry.  RoundTable partners with companies that can benefit from its extensive industry relationships and proven operating and transaction expertise.  RoundTable has established a successful track record of working with owner/founders, family companies, management teams, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners who share a vision and believe in the value creation potential of its partnership model.  RoundTable currently manages $1.1 billion in capital, including two equity funds totaling $900 million and a subordinated debt fund of $200 million.  More information about RoundTable Healthcare Partners can be found at www.roundtablehp.com.

About Aspen
Aspen Surgical Products, Inc. (“Aspen”), based outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of disposable medical products for surgical and general healthcare applications.  Major products include surgical needles, surgical skin markers, disposable light handles, instrument guards, anti-fog solutions, fluid management products, and ophthalmic/ENT sponge products. Aspen has strong brand recognition, including the Richard-Allan, Sterion®, and Ultracell® brand names. The Company’s products are sold through leading distributors as well as direct to hospitals and surgery centers. Aspen currently operates out of approximately 100,000 square feet of recently constructed facilities. More information about Aspen can be found atwww.aspensurgical.com.

Media Contact
Betty Rasbid
847.739.3200