Alliance Dental Care, a joint initiative of Apollo Hospitals and Trivitron Healthcare, is looking to raise private equity funding of Rs 30 crore.
“We are in an advanced stage of discussion with two domestic private equity players who have an interest in the healthcare space,” said Mr V.S. Venkatesh, CEO.
Alliance hopes to conclude the deal in a few months. This will see the partners shedding stake. Currently, Apollo has a 70 per cent stake in the company, while medical equipment company Trivitron holds the rest.
The funds will go towards expansion of the dental-care chain. Currently, Alliance operates 20 dental centres under the White brand name. Previously, the White dental chain was called Apollo Dental Centre, which was given a facelift recently.
The rebranded White network consists of 14 clinics, five studios and one spa across Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata.
The dental studios and spas are positioned as providers of cosmetic and wellness services in a “plush” ambience. The dental clinics are neighbourhood “economy” clinics.
‘Express’ centres are also on the cards for “instant” solutions for dental hygiene, pain management and whitening procedures at hospitals, clinics, malls and airports.
“By 2014, we want to have 100 centres across the country,” said Mr Venkatesh. Next on the radar are Delhi and Kolkata.
Plans are also on to expand overseas. “By 2013, we will be present at two locations in West Asia.”
Dental practice in the country is estimated to be a Rs 3,500-crore industry.