NEWS & EVENTS
May 15, 2020
Solara Acquires Active Healthcare's Diabetes Supplies Business
Chula Vista, CA (May 15, 2020) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), the largest independent direct-to-patient distributor of continuous glucose monitors (“CGM”) and other supplies to patients with diabetes, announced today the acquisition of Active Healthcare, Inc.’s Diabetes Supplies Business (“Active Healthcare”), a North Carolina-based direct-to-patient provider of CGMs, insulin pumps and diabetes supplies.
Following the transaction, Steve Foreman, CEO of Solara, stated, “Active Healthcare has earned the reputation of a compassionate and high-quality supplier to patients with diabetes and we are excited to welcome them to the Solara family.”
Founded by Steven and Lisa Feierstein, Active Healthcare has been operating in North Carolina since 1990 and has developed a strong track record of personal service. Lisa Feierstein, RN, commented, “We are proud of what we have built at Active Healthcare and our diabetes team is excited to grow further with the capabilities that Solara provides.”
Ron Labrum, Chairman of Solara and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, added, “Active Healthcare’s diabetes business strengthens our presence in North Carolina and builds upon our strategy to enhance patient service, broaden our national reach and increase value for our manufacturer partners.”
Active Healthcare’s diabetes business represents Solara’s fourth acquisition following its investment from Linden Capital Partners in May 2018.
Honigman LLP served as legal advisor to Solara. Brown & Fortunato PC served as legal advisor to Active Healthcare.
About Active Healthcare, Inc.
Active Healthcare, co-founded by Lisa and Steven Feierstein, is an award-winning industry leader in the treatment of respiratory and diabetic conditions, helping North Carolinians lead healthier lives since 1990. Active Healthcare is passionately dedicated to patient care and quality of life throughout North Carolina. For more information, visit ActiveHealthcare.com.
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, Ohio and Illinois. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle-market platforms across the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
July 16, 2019
Solara Opens a new Customer Care Center in Phoenix
Chula Vista, CA (July 16, 2019) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic, is thrilled to announce the opening of our third Diabetes Center of Excellence Customer Care Center in Phoenix, AZ and offer a warm welcome to our incredible new team.
December 7, 2018
Solara Acquires Pal-Med
Chula Vista, CA (December 7, 2018) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic, announced today the acquisition of Pal-Med, Inc. (“Pal-Med”), a South Carolina-based direct-to-patient provider of insulin pumps and diabetic testing supplies.
Following the transaction, Keith Crawford, CEO of Solara, stated, “Pal-Med has earned the reputation of a compassionate and high-quality supplier to insulin-dependent diabetics and we are excited to welcome them to the Solara family.”
Founded by Harold Jordan, Pal-Med has been operating in South Carolina since 1994 and has developed a strong track record of personal service based on its focus in diabetes. Jennie Jordan, current Vice President of Pal-Med who will remain with Solara, added, “We are proud of our commitment to our patients and are excited to enhance our offering by joining Solara.”
Ron Labrum, Chairman of Solara and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, added, “Pal-Med strengthens our presence in South Carolina and builds upon our strategy to enhance patient service, broaden our national reach and increase value for our manufacturer partners.”
Pal-Med represents Solara’s third acquisition following its investment from Linden Capital Partners in May 2018.
Brown & Fortunato PC served as legal advisor to Solara.
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Ohio and Illinois. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle-market platforms across the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
November 30, 2018
Solara Acquires Huey’s Home Medical
Chula Vista, CA (November 30, 2018) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic, announced today the acquisition of Huey’s Home Medical, Inc. (“HHM”), an Illinois-based direct-to-patient provider of durable medical equipment and supplies.
“The addition of HHM in Illinois enhances Solara’s existing Midwest presence in Michigan and Ohio and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving our offering to patients, suppliers and payors” said Keith Crawford, CEO of Solara. HHM has been operating in Illinois since 2004 and has developed a track record of dedication to patient education and personal service.
Ron Labrum, Chairman of Solara and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, added, “HHM adds a key geography for Solara and builds upon our strategy to enhance patient service, broaden our national reach and increase value for our manufacturer partners.”
HHM represents Solara’s second acquisition following its investment from Linden Capital Partners in May 2018.
Brown & Fortunato PC served as legal advisor to Solara.
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Texas, Alabama, and Ohio. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
OCTOBER 8, 2018
Solara Announces Additions to Management Team and Board of Directors
Chula Vista, CA (October 8, 2018) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic, announced today the appointment of Aaron Heisler as Chief Financial Officer, Joel Yerton as Vice President of Managed Markets, and Jonathan Zalk as Vice President of Marketing. Solara also announced the addition of Keith Jones and Seth Segel to the Board of Directors.
Aaron Heisler is a seasoned financial executive who brings extensive experience in public company and private equity-backed healthcare businesses. Most recently, Mr. Heisler was the Chief Financial Officer of Breg, an orthopedic medical device manufacturer and distributor. Prior roles also include senior-level financial positions with Guidant, Boston Scientific and Callaway Golf.
Joel Yerton is an experienced healthcare executive with a background in managed markets, client services, and sales. He most recently served as Vice President of Managed Markets at BioScrip, a leading provider of infusion and homecare management solutions. Mr. Yerton has also held senior positions at Premier Pharmacy Services, Preferred Homecare, Soleo Health, and CVS Health-Coram Specialty Infusion Services.
Jonathan Zalk is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in marketing, strategic sales, and commercial operations. His most recent positions include Chief Commercial Officer of Harbor MedTech, a regenerative medicine company, and Vice President of Commercial Operations at TWi Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer. Mr. Zalk has also held leadership positions at KCI, DJO Global, Apria Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Keith Jones is currently the Chairman of ABC Medical, a leading provider of urological, ostomy, incontinence, and wound care supplies. Previously, Mr. Jones served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Liberty Healthcare, a leading provider of insulin pumps, diabetes testing supplies, and other medical equipment. He also was Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Physicians Dialysis, a provider of dialysis services, prior to its sale to DaVita.
Seth Segel is currently the Chief Executive Officer of ConvaTec’s U.S. Home Distribution Group (formerly Woodbury Health Products), a direct-to-consumer distributor of urological and incontinence products. Mr. Segel previously served as Executive Vice President of Cantel Medical Corporation, a publicly-traded medical equipment company.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented executives into the Solara family,” said Keith Crawford, CEO of Solara. “Their multi-faceted expertise across medical distribution and diabetic devices will be instrumental to Solara as we execute our strategy to enhance patient service, expand our national reach, and increase value for our payor and manufacturer partners.”
Ron Labrum, Chairman of Solara and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, added, “This is a very exciting time at Solara. The addition of Aaron, Joel, Jonathan, Keith, and Seth brings invaluable knowledge and perspective to the company as we seek to solidify Solara’s leadership position in the industry.”
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Texas, Alabama, and Ohio. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
Solara Acquires J.M.R. Medical
Chula Vista, CA (September 11, 2018) – Solara Medical Supplies (“Solara”), a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic, announced today the acquisition of J.M.R. Medical (“JMR”), an Ohio-based direct-to-patient provider of diabetic testing supplies and a variety of durable medical equipment.
“We are excited to welcome JMR into the Solara family,” said Keith Crawford, CEO of Solara. “The addition of JMR broadens Solara’s reach into the Midwest and builds upon our commitment to providing outstanding service to our patients, suppliers and payors.” Led by Joe and Maria Rogucki, JMR has been serving the Ohio region for over 20 years. Mr. Rogucki, who will remain with Solara, stated, “We are proud of our track record of patient service and look forward to enhancing our offering with the additional expertise, products and patient support that Solara provides.”
Ron Labrum, Chairman of Solara and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, added, “JMR is Solara’s first acquisition following its investment from Linden Capital Partners on May 31, 2018 and represents our strategy to enhance patient service, broaden our national reach and increase value for our manufacturer partners.”
Brown & Fortunato PC served as legal advisor to Solara, a portfolio company of Linden Capital Partners.
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Texas, and Alabama. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare.
JUNE 5, 2018
Linden Invests in Solara Medical Supplies
Chicago, IL (June 4, 2018) – Linden Capital Partners (“Linden”), a Chicago-based healthcare private equity firm, announced today that it has completed its investment in Solara Medical Supplies, LLC (“Solara” or the “Company”). Headquartered in Chula Vista, California, Solara is a leading direct-to-patient supplier of advanced diabetic devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and other supplies for the intensively managed diabetic. Linden Operating Partner, Ron Labrum, and Linden advisor, Keith Crawford, have been named Chairman and CEO, respectively.
“Linden looks forward to building upon Solara’s commitment to patient service, manufacturers and payors,” said Mr. Labrum, who brings a wealth of experience to Solara with prior roles as Executive Vice President at Cardinal Health, President and COO of Allegiance Healthcare, and most recently as CEO of Fenwal, Inc. Keith Crawford, previously Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Strategy Officer at Medical Specialties Distributors, will become CEO. Mr. Crawford stated, “Solara founder, Tod Robinson, and his team have built an extraordinary business. I look forward to working with Tod and carrying on the Company’s strong employee culture and commitment to providing exceptional service to patients, manufacturers and payors.” Mr. Crawford has over 20 years of experience in healthcare having served in prior roles as Executive Vice President, General Manager at Preferred Homecare and Executive Vice President at Coram Healthcare. Brian Miller and Michael Bernard of Linden have also joined the Board of Solara.
Tod Robinson, founder of Solara, stated “We are proud of the business we have built at Solara, including our core commitment of assisting a patient population faced with the difficult task of managing diabetes. We chose to partner with Linden due to their exclusive focus on healthcare investing, their subsector expertise in distribution, diabetes and DME, and their unique human capital resources.” Mr. Robinson will continue to serve the Company in an operational role, on the Board and as an investor.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, King & Spalding LLP, and Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn LLP served as legal advisors to Linden. Covington Associates served as financial advisor to Solara while Procopio Cory Hargreaves & Savitch LLP and Brown & Fortunato, P.C. served as legal advisors to Solara. Twin Brook Capital Partners, Monroe Capital, and Solar Capital provided debt financing for the transaction.
About Solara Medical Supplies
Solara Medical Supplies, LLC is a leading direct-to-patient distributor of advanced diabetes therapy products including continuous glucose monitors, durable insulin pumps, and patch insulin pumps. Founded in 2002, Solara is headquartered in Chula Vista, California and operates additional offices in Michigan, Texas, and Alabama. For more information, please visit www.solaramedicalsupplies.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.