Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (Carlyle) has announced that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH) from Bank of America Merrill Lynch Capital Partners (BAMLCP), and simultaneously merge it with Associated Dental Practices (ADP) in partnership with private equity firm Palamon Capital Partners (Palamon). Carlyle will hold a majority of the newly combined entity and Palamon will share joint governance. BAMLCP is fully exiting its stake in IDH. The proposed merger of IDH and ADP is subject to relevant regulatory approval.

IDH and ADP are two leading providers of dental care in the UK, primarily focusing on NHS dentistry, with close to 450 practices treating more than 3.5 million patients per year. Carlyle and Palamon will invest in the business to expand the number of practices, enhance the quality of patient care and grow NHS, private and specialist dental services. The investment will also facilitate the company's diversification into other primary care services and cosmetic treatments.