Partnership Reinforces USHV’s Strong Position in Houston and Supports Long­Term Goals for National Footprint Expansion

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US Heart & Vascular (“USHV”), the leading national provider of support services to cardiovascular physician practices, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement regarding its partnership with Willowbrook Cardiovascular Associates (“Willowbrook”), a Houston-based cardiovascular physician practice focused on preventative care, diagnostic testing, curative procedures, and electrophysiology services.

With a growing footprint of practice affiliates, a strong management team, and backing from a fund managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management (“Ares”), USHV’s goal is to create the nation’s premier cardiovascular physician focused support services organization that strives to enhance the ability of affiliated practices to deliver high quality cardiovascular care throughout the U.S. With an expanding foundation in Arizona and Texas, USHV is actively seeking to partner with quality practices and entrepreneurial cardiovascular physicians across the country.

“This partnership marks an exciting next chapter for our practice. As physicians, we believe that it will enhance our capabilities to deliver an even greater level of care to our patients and communities,” said Stanley Duchman, M.D. of Willowbrook. “USHV is the right partner to help us grow our practice and deliver on these important objectives.”

“At USHV, we partner with the best cardiovascular specialists and provide them with the resources and support to grow and deliver outstanding high-quality care to their patients,” said Chris Krubert, M.D., Executive Chairman of USHV. “Through our partnership with Ares, which has considerable experience supporting the growth of physician-led practices, and Willowbrook, we are looking forward to advancing our history of quality care, innovation, and success in the Houston region.”

“We are excited to welcome Willowbrook into the USHV family,” said Kevin Ryan, Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group. “We believe that USHV is well positioned to continue to affiliate with additional practices and grow its footprint. Consistent with our approach throughout our healthcare portfolio, we are focused on building a preeminent leader in the cardiovascular physician practice management sector.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.