In brief: SoCal’s new ‘powerful platform,’ Vertess’ recognition, WHILL’s growth 

TUSTIN, Calif. – SG Homecare, a provider of HME and supplies, has acquired Western Drug Medical Supply, creating a platform to scale in Southern California. 

The combined entity has more than $150 million in annual revenue and more than 500 employees. 

"This is a transformative moment for both SG Homecare and Western Drug Medical Supply," said Jay Wendt, CEO, SG Homecare. "We're committed to a seamless integration, fostering a powerful platform for growth. By leveraging our combined size and resources, we will significantly expand our reach and ability to serve patients and partners across Southern California." 

SG Homecare’s portfolio now includes DME, respiratory solutions, mobility assistance, orthotics and prosthetics, and essential home care supplies. 

"We are thrilled to join forces with SG Homecare,” said Haig Youredjian, president and CEO, Western Drug. “Together, we establish an unparalleled network of care, offering a wider range of products and expertise to patients and healthcare professionals throughout California." 

Vertess recognized for dealmaking 

FORT WORTH, Texas – Vertess was recently named the No. 1 lower middle market investment bank for Q1 2024 by Axial, a private deal network serving professionals who own, advise and invest in North American companies. Vertess facilitated three transactions in the quarter: 

• MyDoc Urgent Care, a multi-location urgent care center based in Pennsylvania, was acquired by MyTown Health Partners, a comprehensive practice management services organization recently formed by Webster Equity Partners. 

• Gold Medal Home Health, an I/DD services provider based in New Jersey, was acquired by Abound Health, a North Carolina-based provider dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs. 

• North Valley Developmental Services, Inc., a California I/DD company, was acquired by Merakey, a national provider of services for children, adolescents and their families in areas of mental health and autism based in Pennsylvania. 

"Assisting companies who provide these valuable supports is an extremely rewarding process,” said Jack Turgeon, a director at Vertess. “We know how important it is to establish the right partnership to keep critical services in place. We are extremely pleased to have facilitated these transitions." In total, Axial saw 2,534 total sellside deals marketed on its platform in the first quarter of 2024, which was an increase from the previous two quarters. In particular, health care had the industry with the highest pursuit rate on the platform. 

NCPA Foundation gets new leader 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The NCPA Foundation has named Sonja Pagniano, CFRE, as its new executive director. Her responsibilities will include leading the foundation’s strategic growth and the successful implementation of its fundraising campaigns, marketing initiatives and other projects. Pagniano most recently served as the development manager for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, which helps donors maximize their impact on long-term recovery from disasters through expert resources, community-driven grantmaking and philanthropic consulting services. “We are very excited to welcome Sonja on board,” says NCPA Foundation President Jerry Shapiro, PharmD. “Throughout her career, she has a proven track record of ensuring her organizations not only meet but exceed their goals. I am excited to see how her background translates into her role at the foundation as we work together to support independent community pharmacy growth and sustainability.” Pagniano also previously worked in the College of Wooster’s Advancement Division as the assistant director of annual giving, and at the Medina County Department of Planning Services and Fair Housing in Ohio as an associate planner.   

WHILL marks expansion 

SAN CARLOS, Calif. – WHILL has expanded its operations in North America, paving the way for the company to exceed its first-quarter goals. In Q1 of 2024, Scootaround powered by WHILL, the company’s rental operations, saw a 13% increase in cruise rentals compared to the previous year and an 81% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The company also enhanced its rental services in Miami and Galveston, Texas, by installing walk-up terminals. This summer, it plans further expansions, including in New York City. “WHILL started as a small idea and grew into a global business helping people daily,” said Satoshi Sugie, founder and CEO. “I am honored to work alongside the leadership team and all the WHILL employees, who dedicate themselves to the brand and, even more importantly, to WHILL’s mission of providing personal mobility solutions that can be used comfortably whenever needed.” Several accomplished leaders have also recently joined the WHILL team: Tres Izzard, president of WHILL Mobility Services; Carl Crabill, senior vice president, WHILL Business Development, Mobility Sales; Marie Onga, vice president of WHILL Customer Experience Group; Christine Addeo, vice president of WHILL Marketing; and Shane Bogni, vice president, WHILL Business Development, Mobility Services. 

OHD adds phototherapy to line-up 

DUNEDIN, Fla. – One Health Direct has expanded its offerings for its DME partners to include phototherapy products. "We aim to communicate four main points about phototherapy treatment to patients," said Alois Rubenbauer, CEO. "Phototherapy is safer, affordable, works fast, and is often more effective than other treatment options." Following its proven process, OHD will educate and guide potential phototherapy patients through the education and qualification process and help broaden their treatment options and awareness. The company says phototherapy is a safe alternative for all patients, particularly pregnant women and the elderly and can be used to treat psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo helps them get these critical products through their insurance. In March, OHD iadded maternity products to its lineup. 

Coloplast sees organic growth 

MINNEAPOLIS – Coloplast saw 8% organic growth in its second quarter ended March 31, 2024. Organic growth rates by business area were ostomy care 7%, continence care 8%, advanced wound care 8% and interventional urology 5%. “We deliver a solid second quarter with 8% organic growth and an EBIT margin of 27%, which is in line with our financial guidance,” said Kristian Villumsen, president and CEO, in an interim financial report. “I would like to highlight a strong Q2 performance in our Chronic Care and Advanced Wound Care businesses, as well as solid contributions from our newest members of the Coloplast family, Atos Medical and Kerecis, both of which deliver double-digit growth in Q2. In Continence Care, our new intermittent catheter for men, Luja, is contributing well to growth, and we are now expanding our platform with the launch of Luja for women. In Ostomy Care, we have now received reimbursement in the UK on Heylo, the world’s first digital leakage notification system. We are also strengthening our SenSura Mio portfolio in Ostomy Care with two new launches. I believe these launches will help drive our future growth and make a real difference to people living with intimate chronic conditions worldwide.” Coloplast bought Kerecis in 2023. The company still expects organic revenue growth to be around 8%.