Freeman Spogli acquires majority interest in Bright Now! Dental

Freeman Spogli & Co., a leading private equity investment firm, has announced the purchase of a majority interest in Bright Now! Dental, Inc. Freeman Spogli purchased a majority of its position from Gryphon Investors, Inc., which will maintain an interest in the company.

Since its founding in 1998 with the merging of three existing dental practice management companies on the West Coast, Bright Now! Dental, Inc. has evolved into the leading dental practice management company providing business support services to approximately 300 dental offices in 19 states nationwide with expansion plans in markets served.

Bright Now Dental Inc.'s affiliated dental offices have become market leaders by providing patients with quality general, preventive, and specialty dental care at affordable prices in a convenient, comfortable environment.

"We are very excited to be partnering with Freeman Spogli," said Steven C. Bilt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Now! Dental, Inc. "We are very impressed with the professionals at Freeman Spogli and their extensive experience building leading national retailers is particularly attractive to our management team given our business model, continued expansion plans and geographic reach."

"Bright Now Dental has established itself as a leader in the dental practice management business in each of its markets due to its focus on customer service, doctor relationships, and a superior service offering at an exceptional value," said Fred Simmons, a Partner with Freeman Spogli. "The management team has done an outstanding job of bringing several companies together and expanding the business organically and we are pleased to become a long-term investor and strategic partner. We look forward to helping Bright Now continue its growth."