DLA Piper advises Washington Dental Service on key acquisition to boost dental industry’s technological transformation

DLA Piper has advised Washington Dental Service (WDS) on the acquisition of a 50% stake in 8 West Consulting, a software developer engaged in building, maintaining, and operating technology systems in the healthcare and retail sector. WDS, through the purchase of this stake, will work in collaboration with 8 West Consulting to develop and deploy new capabilities, competencies, and products for clients and partners across the healthcare industry.

The acquisition of the stake represents an important milestone for WDS, accelerating its approach to leveraging technology to innovate and transform the oral healthcare landscape. WDS is expected to utilise this transaction to expand and build out its digital programs and services including improving benefits, providing self-service access to benefits information, claims payment, and real-time expert support for members.

A team from DLA Piper’s Dublin office worked on the transaction and was led by legal director in the Corporate practice, Micheál Mulvey, senior associate, Blayre McBride, and trainee solicitor Des Cooke. They were supported by Corporate partner, Tyler Hollenbeck, in Seattle, USA.

Micheál commented: “We are proud to have worked on this important strategic transaction which will have far-reaching implications for the development of the healthcare sector. This collaboration will enable WDS and 8 West Consulting to transform the oral healthcare industry through innovative technological collaboration and development of new products.”