Darby Dental Supply, one of the nation’s largest dental distributors, announces its planned acquisition of the dental supply division of Phoenix-based SmartPractice.
This acquisition and the resulting strategic partnership capitalize on each company’s core competencies with Darby leveraging SmartPractice’s acclaimed glove expertise and manufacturing capabilities. SmartPractice’s supply and glove customer base will benefit from Darby’s expansive state-of-the-art distribution network, extended product lines, capital equipment, technology services, and equipment service.
The agreement with SmartPractice is Darby’s latest endeavor to partner with companies who have select areas of industry expertise. Darby customers will gain direct access to SmartPractice’s premier line of specialized gloves.
With this acquisition, Darby will be expanding its Chandler, Arizona facility to provide customers with additional services while extending its hours of operation. Additional sales, customer care, and support services will join the Arizona team to provide convenient access for customers across the country. The transaction fuels Darby’s growth strategy to extend its ecosystem of full service solutions, while supporting its ongoing West Coast expansion.
“This investment further strengthens Darby Dental Supply’s position as an industry leader and ensures that our customers have access to continually-expanding products, advanced services, and the expertise upon which they have relied for 70 years,” stated Michael Ashkin, Chairman, Darby Group Companies, Inc. “For three generations, and looking to the fourth, the Ashkin family has been focused on providing our customers with outstanding value, an exceptional customer experience, and innovative technological solutions. This would not be possible without the hard work of our talented employees. We are excited to welcome the SmartPractice dental supply team into our extended family.”
“With our rich history of accomplishments for nearly 50 years, SmartPractice has only just begun to realize our full potential of improving healthcare practices to improve world health. Through this strategic relationship, Darby Dental will be partnering with us as an additional provider of SmartPractice gloves to the dental industry. Our legacy of pioneering award-winning gloves that meet the unique needs of the dental community will now have a broader reach,” remarked Dr. Curt Hamann, President, CEO, and Medical Director of SmartPractice. "Additionally, our team continues to capitalize on our existing resources to develop an array of products and services that improve active patient counts, simplify brand management and ensure an easy ordering experience."
Darby has consistently advanced its business model to meet customer demand for timely, best-in-class solutions. The company recently expanded its specialty product offerings, added a capital equipment division, formed an exclusive partnership with DentalFix RX to provide equipment service, and in January 2018 debuted Darby TechForce®, the company’s new technology services division providing HIPAA compliance, IT managed services, installations, digital integration, and network security solutions. As customers seek out more convenient ordering channels and faster response times, Darby’s investment in technological solutions allows them to personalize the way they do business. The Company recently launched a new user-optimized website, mobile website, and a mobile app, complete with an inventory management system.
The transaction is expected to close in May of 2018.
