Q3-2022 Autism Services Update

Q3-2022 Autism Services Update

Despite ongoing labor challenges and inflationary pressures, the demand for autism services continues to draw outside investor interest. While quarterly deal activity slowed from years past, we still see elevated sponsor activity as private equity-backed platforms continue to create competition for add-on acquisitions. Looking ahead, we expect to see a rise in secondary buyouts, or even consolidation among larger platforms. For Example, NexPhase Capital announced its sale of Action Behavior Centers to Charlesbank Capital in August, garnering a valuation of $800+ million and an implied 14.0x adjusted EBITDA multiple.

We also continued to see private equity investment in diversified behavioral health providers, or companies with services that span mental health, special education, and pediatric therapy, acquiring ABA practices. As an example, the Stepping Stones Group, a diversified special education and behavioral health provider, acquired the Center for Behavioral, Education, and Social Therapies in July. Further, in August, Avesi Partners announced its investment in Point Quest, a school-based adolescent behavioral health provider, offering a broad suite of services, including speech therapy, ABA therapy, and mental health services. As consolidation continues, financial sponsors and strategic acquirers still see an opportunity to increase accessibility, expand service offerings, and bolster corporate infrastructure, all while striving to improve an individual’s experience and outcomes in a treatment program.

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