Henry Schein, Inc., the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health, and medical practitioners, has entered into an agreement to acquire Southern Anesthesia + Surgical (SAS), a leading US distributor of anesthesia and surgical supplies to oral surgeons, dental anesthesiologists, and periodontists. SAS offers controlled and non-controlled pharmaceuticals, as well as surgical supplies, to approximately 11,500 customers and had 2016 sales of $72 million.

The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. SAS will become part of ACE Surgical Supply Co., Inc. (ACE), a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"We are excited to announce an agreement that will unite two leading dental-surgical supply companies," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein. "SAS enjoys loyal, long-standing customer relationships with oral surgery practitioners in the US and ACE has grown to become a global leader in the dental market. With complementary products and services, we look forward to deepening customer relationships with our comprehensive offering of value-added products and services, including bone regeneration materials that specialty practices need to maintain and grow their business."

With headquarters in West Columbia, South Carolina, and warehouse and customer service facilities in Reno, Nevada, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, SAS and its 88 team members will continue to be led by its current management team, including president and chief executive officer Bill Alexander. The company has an extensive product offering with more than 13,000 stock keeping units and serves all 50 states.

"We are delighted to join forces with Henry Schein, the nation's full-service dental leader, to benefit our customers with a broader array of products and services," said SAS's Bill Alexander. "Henry Schein has earned a global reputation for excellence in customer service with a commitment to quality patient care, practice success, and innovation. Together, we will explore opportunities to serve and expand the SAS customer base."

Since 1967, ACE has been dedicated to dental-surgical advancements and has become a leading global provider of bone regenerative products and compatible dental implant systems. Headquartered in Brockton, Massachusetts, ACE employs 93 team members and provides supplies to more than 120,000 dental professionals in over 20 countries each year.

"We very much look forward to our partnership with SAS," said Craig Carchidi, president of ACE. "By combining two well-known and respected brands, we will offer a broader product portfolio focused on the unique needs of the dental surgeon."