BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Press Ganey (NYSE: PGND), a healthcare performance improvement company, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by EQT Equity fund EQT VII, part of the global private equity group EQT. Under the terms of the agreement, EQT will acquire all of Press Ganey’s common stock. Shareholders of record will receive $40.50 in cash per share of Press Ganey common stock, resulting in an enterprise value of approximately $2.35 billion. The offer price represents a 20% premium to the year to date volume-weighted average price and a 62% premium to the initial public offering price for the common stock. The acquisition of Press Ganey represents EQT’s first direct EQT Equity investment in North America.

“We are very excited about this transaction as it delivers value for our shareholders and allows Press Ganey to accelerate our investment in both acquisitions and product innovation that best serve our clients,” said Patrick Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. “I have tremendous respect for EQT as a top flight investment firm, and I look forward to partnering with them as we develop new solutions to advance patient-centered care in the United States and internationalize the business in the next phase of our development.”

“We are excited by the unique opportunity to acquire Press Ganey, in a transaction highlighting EQT’s deep expertise and commitment to investing in market-leading healthcare companies,” said Eric Liu, Partner at EQT Partners Inc., Investment Advisor to EQT Equity. “As one of the most active global healthcare investors, with a demonstrated track record of success, we believe that EQT is an ideal partner for Press Ganey, as the Company seeks to expand both organically and through acquisitions. EQT will leverage its deep platform and provide valuable resources to support Press Ganey’s continued growth.”

“Press Ganey has made a tangible contribution to improving healthcare delivery by empowering patient voices,” said Norman W. Alpert, Chairman of Press Ganey and Co-President of Vestar Capital Partners. “We are pleased with the value delivered to shareholders and the opportunity for the organization to enter its next phase of growth with EQT.”

The agreement followed the unanimous approval by Press Ganey’s Board of Directors. Completion of the transaction is subject to the expiration of a “go-shop” period, the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, Press Ganey shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Barclays and Goldman Sachs are acting as financial advisors to Press Ganey, and Latham & Watkins LLP and Richards, Layton & Finger, PA are serving as legal advisors to Press Ganey. BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as financial adviser to EQT, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor to EQT Partners. Fully committed financing of the transaction has been provided by Credit Suisse, Citi and BofA Merrill Lynch.

About Press Ganey

Press Ganey Holdings (NYSE: PGND) is a leading provider of patient experience measurement, performance analytics and strategic advisory solutions for health care organizations across the continuum of care. With over 30 years of experience, Press Ganey is recognized as a pioneer and thought leader in patient experience measurement and performance improvement solutions. Our mission is to help health care organizations reduce patient suffering and improve clinical quality, safety and the patient experience. As of January 1, 2016, Press Ganey served more than 26,000 health care facilities.

About EQT

EQT is a leading global private equity group with approximately EUR 30 billion in raised capital. EQT has portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 15 billion and circa 100,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

About Vestar Capital Partners

Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm currently managing approximately $5 billion in capital. Specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments, Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Healthcare, and Business and Financial Services. Since Vestar’s founding in 1988, Vestar funds have completed more than 75 investments in companies with a total value of more than $40 billion.