Edgemont Partners' founding partner, Jeff Swearingen, elaborated on the current state of merger and acquisition activity in the physician practice market.
Here's what he said:
1. "It's becoming a seller's market. Valuations are strong and there's still a lot of demand for good practices, especially in gastroenterology, vision care, women's health and fertility and orthopedics," Mr. Swearingen said.
2. Uncertain reimbursement practices, burdensome administrative duties, the capital demands related to technological investment, and physicians' desire to return to practicing medicine are driving consolidation.
3. Mr. Swearingen said that while private equity investors, hospitals and other consolidating forces remain active in the marketplace, the election presents an unknown element. He said: "It's hard to say how healthcare services will play out in the election. In our view, if you want to sell, you should consider starting the process soon, with the goal of closing by the middle of next year. Right now, it's a good time to be selling."