Harper Macleod advises on East Kilbride dentistry practice succession

Law firm Harper Macleod has advised the new owners of a longstanding dentistry practice in East Kilbride.

Avondale Dental Practice has been treating patients in East Kilbride for 80 years, and has now been acquired by Liam McLaughlin, who has taken over the from the previous owner of 23 years, Dr Mairi Maclean, who will continue working at the practice.

Liam qualified as a dentist in 2013 and joined the Avondale team two years later.

The practice provides the full range of private and NHS dentistry services as well as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and facial aesthetics.

Liam McLaughlin said: “Having joined Avondale straight out of vocational training nine years ago, I am delighted to acquire the practice and grateful to Mairi for the opportunity in trusting me to take over the business she has grown so successfully over the past 20 years.

“Avondale Dental Practice will continue to serve the local community in providing the highest standards of patient care. Craig, Andy, Jenna and Scott of Harper Macleod were fantastic in driving this deal to completion and I will certainly call upon Harper Macleod for any future acquisitions.”

Craig Ramsay, a partner in the corporate and M&A team at Harper Macleod and joint head of the firm’s healthcare team, led on the legal advice, supported by Andy Pirie, Jenna McLean (commercial property) and Scott Milligan (employment). All existing staff and dental associates at the practice will remain in place under the new ownership, ensuring a continuation of service and knowledge of the local patients.

Craig Ramsay said: “Liam and the Avondale team are well-known in the area for providing high quality dental and cosmetic services to their patients and are well-respected custodians of the practice’s long-held reputation. Having practiced with the previous owners for nearly a decade, Liam knows his patients and the local community very well, and we wish him the best for the future.

“This transition of ownership in local dental practices from current owners to existing associates within the practice is something we’re continuing to see on a regular basis. Of the next generation of dental associates coming through the sector, there is a steady stream of ambitious associates with entrepreneurial ambitions, looking to add to their medical experience with ownership alongside continuing to treat their patients. Similarly, retiring or exiting owners exploring succession options are keen to ensure that their patients are in good hands with colleagues who understand their needs and the local communities they serve, with continuity for patients being a key factor.”

Accountancy advice was provided by Martin Aitken & Co.

Harper Macleod’s corporate, commercial & regulatory team is one of the most active of its kind in Scotland. In the last 12 months, it has grown its proportion of transactions completed in Scotland where it was the principal advisor, completing 19% of all reported transactions (153 transactions out of a total of 793 to be reported). It advises on all aspects of corporate activity – from high-profile M&A to SME investment. It is one of Scotland’s largest with lawyers in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

It advises Scotland’s leading family-owned, employee-owned, and owner-managed businesses, specialising in healthcare, energy, marine and rural economies, technology, and food & drink. It is an expert adviser on business succession and to entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses, particularly those seeking investment.  It supports businesses across the UK with their M&A activity.