Episodes

  • The Future of Healthcare M&A: Workforce, Compliance, and Risk Mitigation Strategies
    Jan 9 2025

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    Healthcare systems face an increasing shortage of providers and nurses, creating an imbalance between supply and demand. How can practice advisors address this gap to ensure a sustainable future for the healthcare sector?

    The shortage of physicians and nurses is driven by systemic barriers like expensive, prolonged training for doctors and demographic shifts affecting nursing. Healthcare transaction advisor Zak Eisenberg notes that market corrections and expanded educational programs could address these issues over time. Additionally, young physicians often face financial and cultural barriers to equity participation in transactions, so Zak suggests leveraging multiyear earnouts to bridge valuation gaps.

    In the final installment of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely speaks with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about the barriers to healthcare practice transactions. Together, they explore strategies to address workforce shortages, optimize transaction structures, and navigate regulatory and compliance concerns.

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    23 mins
  • Balancing Stakeholder Goals in Healthcare Transactions
    Jan 2 2025

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    Selling healthcare real estate and practice operations can create friction between partners, providers, and external stakeholders. This often stems from misaligned interests in value, legacy, and transaction goals. How can involved parties align their needs to facilitate a smooth transaction?

    According to healthcare transaction advisors Robert King and Zak Eisenberg, aligning competing interests and resolving associated challenges involves balancing senior partners' focus on transaction value and legacy with younger members' priorities, such as autonomy and future earnings. Additionally, real estate negotiations require strategic lease structuring to address valuation and control concerns. Leveraging expert advisors is crucial to streamline these processes, mitigate misalignments, and ensure the transaction delivers optimal outcomes for all parties involved.

    In the third segment of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely chats with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about aligning stakeholder interests during healthcare transactions. Together, they discuss recruiting younger providers and physicians, how to sell real estate and practice operations, and the average timeline for stakeholder alignment.

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    22 mins
  • Maximizing Healthcare Valuations: Real Estate and Practice Strategies
    Dec 26 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    Healthcare transactions are often complicated by varying valuation methodologies and rapidly changing financial landscapes. How can healthcare practices maximize their real estate and operational value amid fluctuating market conditions?

    According to Zak Eisenberg and Robert King, maximizing valuations for healthcare businesses involves both short-term and long-term strategic improvements. Practices can enhance value by optimizing billing cycles, adding service lines like imaging or clinical trials, and building management infrastructure. Business owners can increase value through long-term, institutional-grade leases and accurate financial documentation. Sale-leaseback transactions are another effective strategy, unlocking real estate equity to fund operational growth or reduce financial risk.

    In part two of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely talks with Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about increasing healthcare practice valuation. Together, they explore strategies for obtaining capital, timing market transactions, and aligning business goals with long-term investments.

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    26 mins
  • Healthcare Policy Changes and Market Effects
    Dec 19 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    The incoming presidential administration could initiate significant changes to the healthcare industry, impacting transactions and real estate. What are the key trends shaping the future of healthcare, and what should practice advisors and healthcare practitioners consider for the landscape in 2025?

    Possible revisions to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), regulatory rollbacks, or changes in federal healthcare funding could disrupt provider revenue streams, complicating billing and collections processes. Currently, the expansion in coverage strengthens providers’ financial positions by increasing the insured patient base. Healthcare business advisors Zak Eisenberg and Robert King observe that trends like demographic shifts and technological advancements increase demand for care while increasing financial pressures on providers, prompting practice consolidation. For healthcare real estate, reduced borrowing costs tied to inflation control efforts could spur more transactions in this capital-intensive sector.

    In part one of the Transaction Healthcare webinar series, Chris Raphaely of Cozen O’Connor interviews Zak Eisenberg of Merritt Healthcare Advisors and Robert King of SkyView Advisors about future healthcare market dynamics. Together, they share concerns about the demise of the ACA, how inflation impacts healthcare real estate, and the future of market transactions in the wake of a new presidential administration.

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    21 mins
  • Blazing a Trail in Healthcare M&A: Unveiling the Strategy Behind Success
    Jun 6 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    What drives success in physician practice transactions? Is it the financial endgame, or do the underlying physician dynamics facilitate a smooth merger or acquisition? In the bustling landscape of healthcare megamarkets, physicians often find themselves at strategic crossroads, so having a clear game plan is pivotal.

    Before engaging in a practice transaction, physician entrepreneurs must consider a few crucial factors. Younger physicians can accelerate the value of a practice post-transaction. By deferring to the needs of these future leaders, physician entrepreneurs can engineer a more sustainable and prosperous healthcare business. Additionally, an M&A may appear as a one-size-fits-all solution, but the nuances of strategic growth, culture integrations, and transaction intent can make or break a deal. From recognizing the necessity of physician alignment and transparency to understanding the various pathways a practice can take, organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of healthcare transactions.

    In this Transaction Healthcare episode, Zak Eisenberg speaks with his panelists about strategies for physician practice M&As. They discuss the importance of delicate conversations, the art of transparency, and the power of shared goals in the landscape of healthcare transactions.

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    19 mins
  • Maximizing Your Medical Practice's Value in Healthcare Transactions
    May 30 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    Are you equipped to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare transactions? With the market evolving at breakneck speed, you must optimize your practice to capitalize on growth opportunities. How can you align your practice's goals with the ever-changing market demands?

    When preparing for transactions, setting precise goals to arrange your practice's structure for potential investments is crucial. This involves conducting an internal assessment to evaluate your growth aspirations and your practice’s position in the market. Understanding the differences between hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital ensures you can make informed decisions when exploring opportunities. Before executing any transaction, you should consult with wealth managers and tax professionals to safeguard your practice and accelerate value.

    In this episode of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg continues his conversation about healthcare business transactions. The panelists delve into strategic planning and the importance of governance and tax implications, offering a roadmap for physicians and practitioners to amplify the value and appeal of their businesses in the eyes of investors and partners.

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    14 mins
  • Healthcare Investment Insights: From Noncompetes to AI
    May 23 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    AI can reduce healthcare costs and enhance patient journeys. How might this reshape the current landscape and address some of healthcare's most significant challenges, like the rising cost of capital and employee recruitment and retention?

    Leveraging AI for diagnostic imaging allows healthcare practitioners more time to focus on patient care and streamlines healthcare delivery operations. With increased efficiencies, healthcare professionals can foster a work environment that prioritizes employee needs, retaining staff during an industry-wide labor shortage. Additionally, operational efficiency allows officials to analyze and reduce debt for more economic flexibility.

    In the second installment of Transaction Healthcare, Zak Eisenberg welcomes John Nantz, Barry Tanner, Bede Broom, and Geoffrey Cockrell back to the show. Together, they discuss leveraging AI and navigating financial trends in healthcare. They also touch on employee recruitment and retention, capital structures in the healthcare investment space, and debt management.

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    18 mins
  • Practice Consolidation: Why It’s Not About Market Power
    May 7 2024

    Zak Eisenberg is the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, which provides investment banking services to healthcare services organizations. In his role, he manages the strategic development and execution of ASC, surgical hospital, and physician practice transactions. Zak specializes in sourcing and analyzing transactions and capital and negotiating and structuring investments. Previously, he was a Biofund Venture Analyst at New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, a biotech and life science-focused venture capital firm, and led the analysis team at a renewable energy-focused private equity firm.

    In this episode…

    Consolidating physician practices presents an opportunity to accelerate value-based care. Yet recent regulations have emerged in the M&A space, increasing market power and creating distortions. How can physicians and other healthcare providers navigate these legal regulations to maintain high standards of care?

    The evolution and enforcement of antitrust laws at both the state and federal levels have led to skepticism around larger transactions, which are being heavily scrutinized. With each transaction, healthcare organizations must submit to a review process, during which they’re required to share their objectives for the consolidation. When navigating this examination during the sales process, it’s crucial to consider the broader value proposition, which includes improving patient experiences, outcomes, and access to more personalized care. These benefits should be relayed during the review summation to facilitate the transaction smoothly.

    Welcome to the first episode of Transaction Healthcare, where Zak Eisenberg, the Vice President of Merritt Healthcare Advisors, hosts webinar panelists to talk about how to communicate the value of practice consolidation. Together, they discuss how to navigate the shifting legal landscape in healthcare transactions, the impact of antitrust laws on physicians and practitioners, and how organizations are navigating non-compete agreements.

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    28 mins