Atlanta, GA/Charlotte, NC – Coker Capital Advisors announced today that the combined entity of Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center and Whitten Laser Eye (collectively, "Chesapeake") has been recapitalized by Centre Partners ("Centre"). Based in Annapolis, Maryland, Chesapeake is a leading eye care platform serving the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC markets. Led by its two founding physicians, Dr. Maria Scott and Dr. Mark Whitten, Chesapeake has a proven track record of clinical excellence and leading patient outcomes. Drs. Scott and Whitten, both nationally recognized eye surgeons, have established a robust team of providers and deep corporate infrastructure to enable comprehensive ophthalmological care for a large addressable patient base. Coker Capital Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Chesapeake in this transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"No one understands the physician services sector better than Coker Capital. Their comprehensive knowledge of the buyers and market insight were instrumental in identifying the optimal partner who could meet the goals of all shareholders," said Dr. Mark Whitten, founder of Whitten Laser Eye.
"Coker Capital’s hands on approach and guidance throughout the transaction process was critical to the success of the deal," added Dr. Scott. "They helped our teams craft our respective stories and effectively communicate our combined vision for Chesapeake’s future. We could not be more excited about the future of our partnership with Centre Partners."
"We were very pleased with our decision to hire Coker Capital," stated Michael Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake. "Their experience within the physician services sector and knowledge of the buyer universe allowed us to exceed our expectations for the transaction, both in terms of value and strategic fit."
About Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center and Whitten Laser Eye
Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center and Whitten Laser Eye, based in Annapolis, Maryland, form a leading Mid-Atlantic ophthalmology platform, recognized for clinical excellence. Chesapeake has built a market leading network of physicians and offers comprehensive eye care services including cataract, glaucoma and general eye surgery, medical services, refractive surgery, cosmetic, and oculoplastic surgery.
For additional information on Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center and Whitten Laser Eye, visit the practice’s websites at www.chesapeakeeyecare.com and www.whittenlasereye.com
About Centre Partners
Founded in 1986, Centre Partners is a leading middle-market private equity firm focusing on the consumer and healthcare sectors, with offices in New York and Los Angeles. Centre has invested over $2 billion of equity capital in more than 75 transactions since its inception. The firm seeks to partner with founders and/or management teams to build exceptional businesses. In doing so, Centre provides portfolio companies with access to its unique resources, including an extended network of experienced and proven operating executives.
For additional information on Centre, visit the firm's website at www.centrepartners.com
About Coker Capital Advisors
Coker Capital Advisors is a healthcare-focused investment bank offering mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other strategic advisory services to privately and publicly owned middle market healthcare companies.
The firm’s website is www.cokercapital.com