WCAS to Buy Smile Brands Group

Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Smile Brands Group. Most of the stake will be purchased from Freeman Spogli & Co., which invested $127.5 million in the company as part of a $340 million LBO in 2005. Freeman Spogli will retain a minority stake in Smile Brands post-transaction. Smile Brands provides support services to dental groups and is being advised by Moelis & Company and Jefferies on the deal.