Swimming with the Dolphins

One of the best independent image programs is now part of the Patterson family. Here's the release:

Patterson Companies Acquires World-Leading Providers of 3D Imaging and Practice Management Software

Patterson Companies , Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) today announced the acquisition by its Patterson Dental Supply unit of Dolphin Imaging Systems, LLC and Dolphin Practice Management, LLC, the world’s leading providers of 3D imaging and practice management software for specialized dental practitioners, including orthodontists, oral maxillofacial surgeons and dental radiologists. Terms of the all-cash transaction were not disclosed.

With estimated sales of approximately $13 million, Chatsworth, California-based Dolphin is profitable and debt-free.

Dolphin provides two industry-leading lines of proprietary dental software and related services:

* Dolphin’s imaging software maximizes the benefits of cone beam and other digital photography and radiography systems by enabling practitioners to electronically capture, manipulate and analyze imaging records; perform diagnosis and advanced 2D and 3D visualization; and graphically simulate treatment outcomes. Dolphin’s products support most cone beam systems, digital radiography systems, 2D and 3D digital photographic systems, and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
* Dolphin’s orthodontic practice management software manages workflows, patient scheduling and financial systems.

Patterson believes there are no major competitors for Dolphin’s full range of products, including image management, cephalometric tracing, treatment planning, 3D radiography, computer animation and practice management. In addition, Patterson believes certain elements of Dolphin’s imaging software can be integrated into its current line of EagleSoft® software for general dental practitioners.

Dolphin’s management and employees will continue with the company as part of Patterson Dental Supply.

Scott P. Anderson, president of Patterson Dental Supply, commented: “As the undisputed leader in imaging and practice management software for specialized, high-end dental practitioners, Dolphin positions Patterson Dental at the forefront of the growing field of 3D radiography solutions. The combination of our large field sales force and array of radiological systems with Dolphin’s suite of products has the potential to become a profitable growth engine for our business over the next several years. In addition, aligning Dolphin with our Patterson Technology Center creates a significant opportunity to further differentiate the Dolphin and Patterson brands.”

Chester H. Wang, Dolphin’s managing director, added: “We are excited to be joining Patterson Dental, a leader in bringing technology to the dental market that shares our strong commitment to value-added service and a customer-oriented operating philosophy. As part of Patterson Dental, Dolphin also will be able to provide its customers with additional innovative tools aimed at making their practices more profitable and efficient.”