Babson Capital Provides Subordinated Debt And Equity To Support Linden Capital’s Investment in Northwestern Management Services

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Babson Capital Management LLC today announced it provided a combination of subordinated debt and equity to support Linden Capital Partners’ recapitalization of Northwestern Management Services LLC (NMS). Babson Capital served as the lead provider of subordinated debt on the transaction.

“Linden has an excellent track record in the oral care sector and will be a value-added partner to Gentle Dental’s strong management team in an effort to drive the growth of a leading company in a very attractive market.”

NMS is a dental practice management company that provides comprehensive management and administrative services and facilities for Boca Raton, Fla.-based Gentle Dental Group, a branded, upscale retail-based dental services organization with 21 offices in Southeast Florida.

“Babson Capital’s performance on this transaction illustrates why the firm has a reputation as a strong partner to middle-market private equity sponsors” said Tony Davis, a Managing Partner at Linden. “We value our relationship with Babson Capital and look forward to working with Babson Capital on this transaction.”

“Babson Capital is excited to partner with Linden Capital Partners on its investment in NMS,” said Bob Erwin, a Managing Director in Babson Capital’s Mezzanine & Private Equity Group. “Linden has an excellent track record in the oral care sector and will be a value-added partner to Gentle Dental’s strong management team in an effort to drive the growth of a leading company in a very attractive market.”

About Linden Capital Partners

Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare and life science industries. Linden’s strategy is comprised of three elements: i) healthcare and life science industry specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic corporate relationships. Linden invests in middle market companies across the healthcare spectrum, including medical products, healthcare services, and distribution. Fore additional information about Linden, please visit www.lindenllc.com.

About Babson Capital

Babson Capital Management LLC and its subsidiaries serve institutional investors around the globe and have $149 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2012. Through proprietary research and analysis and a focus on investment fundamentals, we develop products and strategies that leverage our broad array of expertise in fixed income, equities, alternative, structured products, debt financing for corporations and debt and equity financing for commercial real estate. Based in Boston and Springfield, Mass., and Charlotte, N.C., with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, the firm’s subsidiaries include Babson Capital Europe Limited in London, Babson Capital Australia Pty Ltd in Sydney, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC in Hartford, Conn., and Wood Creek Capital Management, LLC in New Haven, Conn. Babson Capital is a member of the MassMutual Financial Group and is on the web at www.BabsonCapital.com.