Teachers' to Acquire Majority Interest in Premier U.S. Dental Service Organization

Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers'),through its private equity group, Teachers' Private Capital (TPC), todayannounced an agreement for the acquisition of a majority stake in HeartlandDental Care, Inc. (Heartland Dental Care or the Company), one of the largestdental service organizations in the United States.As part of the transaction, Heartland Dental Care founder and CEO Dr. RickWorkman will retain a significant minority position along with management andemployees. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.Heartland Dental Care is based in Effingham, Illinois, and provides practicesupport services to dental offices in 21 states. It provides over 500affiliated dentists and their team members with business leadership trainingand support services, including administrative staffing, human resources,purchasing, marketing, administration, financial and information technology. The Company is currently expanding its headquarter facilities in Effingham andadding personnel to support its continued growth."Our investment in Heartland Dental Care is supported by favourablefundamentals and demographics.  We have been impressed with their dedicationto providing high-quality support services to dental practices that reduce theadministrative burdens on dentists.  These services allow dentists to focuson quality patient care and expansion of the delivery of dental care in theircommunities," said Jane Rowe, Senior Vice-President of TPC.  "We look forwardto working with Dr. Workman and the Company's excellent management team."