December 19, 2019
Willkie represented FFL Partners and its portfolio company EyeCare Partners, a leading medical vision services provider, in the sale of ECP to Partners Group.
On December 12, it was announced that global private markets investment manager Partners Group has agreed to make a significant equity investment in EyeCare Partners LLC (ECP), the largest vertically integrated medical vision services provider in the United States. Willkie represented Willkie represented FFL Partners and its portfolio company EyeCare Partners in the transaction.
Partners Group will become the majority shareholder, while ECP's management team and physician partners will continue to maintain a substantial equity stake. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, ECP has an extensive network of full-scope medical optometry and ophthalmology practices, with over 450 locations across 13 states. The company employs over 500 optometrists, 85 ophthalmologists and over 4,400 clinic staff, offering patients end-to-end services covering medical optometry, ophthalmology and sub-specialties, and vision correction products.
The Willkie deal team was led by partners Neil Townsend, David Cosgrove and Claire James.
