Straumann Sells DrSmile Business To Impress
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- Published: Thursday, 15 August 2024 17:16
- Written by Guy Tuggle
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Leading dental implant manufacturer Straumann has sold DrSmile, its direct-to-consumer clear-aligner business to Barcelona based Impress Group.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, however, it is understood that Basel headquartered Straumann will maintain a minority 20% shareholding on a ’fully diluted’ basis.
Straumann’s share price rose on news of the sale, which coincided with publication of the company’s half year results showing an ’organic revenue growth’ of 16.1%.
DrSmile was founded by Jens Urbaniak and Chris von Wedemeyer in Berlin in 2016 with Straumann acquiring a majority stake in July 2020.
According to Straumann’s website, DrSmile employs around five hundred people and operates across ten markets working with 400 ’dental partner practices’.
Impress Group is already a leading provider of clear aligners in Europe and operates a network of clinics in the UK as well asSpain, Italy and Portugal.
The purchase of Dr Smile from Straumann will enable Impress to ’grow its footprint’ in Germany, France, Netherlands and Sweden.
In the UK, Impress currently has10 branded clinics and works with 54 ’Partner Clinics’ (source: website).
GDPUK spoke to an Impress representative who outlined a typical patient journey. This commences via a consultation with a dentist at one of the ’flagship’ Impress owned practices or at a ’Partner Clinic’ where a qualified dentist takes a digital scan and prescribes treatment if suitable.
The patient’s progress is monitored by submission of scans taken on a mobile phone which are submitted to an Impress clinician who sanctions progression to the next aligner. Clinicians are available for patients to consult if they have concerns.
Patients In Treatment ’Safe’
Announcing the sale, a statement from Straumann stated ’The Impress Group commits to ensure the continuing support of all DrSmile patients currently undergoing treatment while Straumann Group will continue to be a major supplier of clear aligners for Impress Group.
Guillaume Daniellot, Straumann Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Selling DrSmile to Impress Group will give this company the necessary scale and patient journey expertise to further strengthen patient care to succeed in the European direct-to-consumer clear aligner market.”
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