The Carlyle Group, in Partnership with Palamon Capital Partners, has Acquired DBG (UK) Limited

LONDON, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) and Palamon Capital Partners today announced the acquisition of DBG (UK) Limited ("dbg") from Synova Capital.  The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  

Operating for over 20 years, dbg is a specialist healthcare support services provider of training, compliance support, engineering services, materials and equipment. Using a membership-based model, dbg works alongside over 8,000 dental, GP and veterinary practices throughout the UK, and is headquartered in Winsford, Cheshire.  

Eric Kump, Managing Director at Carlyle said "dbg is a well-established business delivering clear benefits to its members, customers and suppliers. Carlyle and Palamon have a strong track record in this sector, having acquired Integrated Dental Holdings ("IDH") in 2011.  While the two businesses will be part of the same investment vehicle, dbg will remain independent and will benefit from the expertise of the investors."  

Jonathan Heathcote, Partner at Palamon, added "The existing management team has done a great job of delivering strong business performance and we look forward to building on this in the future as we explore the further growth opportunities in this sector."

Speaking on the transaction, Managing Director of dbg, Kanesh Khilosia, commented "We are delighted to be partnering with Carlyle and Palamon.  They strongly support our strategy to continue to grow and diversify dbg's services and support our members whose interests remain first and foremost.  Carlyle and Palamon bring a wealth of sector experience, which will build upon that of the existing management. The prospect of greater co-operation with IDH, which operates the largest healthcare practise network in the UK, will significantly add to our ability to provide a superior, cost effective service to our members."

Philip Shapiro, Managing Partner at Synova commented "We are very pleased with the completion of our successful investment in dbg. Since we acquired dbg in 2010, the membership base has more than doubled and profits have trebled.  We thank the dbg management team and staff for their valuable contribution and hard work.  Carlyle and Palamon have a clear vision and ability to continue this growth."

Notes to editors

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with $170 billion of assets under management across 113 funds and 67 fund of fund vehicles as of December 31, 2012. Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, many of whom are public pension funds. Carlyle invests across four segments - Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Fund of Funds Solutions - in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs 1,400 people in 33 offices across six continents.

Web: http://www.carlyle.com
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Podcasts: http://www.carlyle.com/about-carlyle/market-commentary

About Palamon Capital Partners

Palamon Capital Partners, LP is an independent private equity Partnership founded in 1999, which is focused on providing equity for European growth services companies.  Palamon, as a pan-European investor, originates, executes and manages investments in the UK, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, France, and Germany.  The Firm targets investments in companies where it can achieve double digit growth and where the Partnership's experienced principals can provide strategic direction and support to help build equity value.  The Firm manages Palamon European Equity, L.P. and Palamon European Equity II, L.P., capitalised at €1.1 billion dedicated to growth investment opportunities in Europe's lower mid-market.  

For more information on Palamon refer to http://www.palamon.com

About Synova Capital

Synova invests in smaller UK growth opportunities with a particular focus on companies valued at between £5m and £30m. Key verticals include Business Services, Software & IT Services, Consumer & Leisure and Healthcare & Education.

For more information on Synova Capital refer to http://www.synova-capital.com