LLR Partners Inc. ("LLR") announced the completion of its $25 million equity investment in BrightHeart Veterinary Centers ("BrightHeart"), a leading operator of advanced-care veterinary hospitals across North America. Caltius Mezzanine, BrightHeart's existing lender, also made a $3.5 million equity investment as part of the $28.5 million total financing. Previous investors in BrightHeart include founding investor Unified Growth Partners. The expansion capital will allow BrightHeart to make additional acquisitions of specialty/emergency veterinary hospitals, while executing its growth plans to support the veterinary community and provide the highest standards and greatest range of options in pet care.

BrightHeart currently operates facilities in Bedford Hills, New York; Avon, Conn.; Chicago, Ill.; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada with 67 veterinarians and a total staff of over 300.

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LLR Partners Inc.

FIRMS

BrightHeart Veterinary Centers network of advanced-care veterinary facilities works closely with referring veterinarians and pet owners to provide the highest standards and greatest range of options in pet care, giving pets the best chance to lead longer, healthier lives. BrightHeart provides its doctors and staff with outstanding career advancement opportunities, promotes greater communication with referring veterinarians, and seeks to increase public awareness of advancements available to pet owners for the medical diagnosis and treatment of pets.

LLR Partners is a $620 million private equity firm that provides capital to middle market companies with growth potential, proven business models and outstanding management teams. LLR makes investments of $10 million to $75 million in a broad range of investments with an emphasis on business services, healthcare, financial services and information technology. LLR seeks to create value through a variety of transactions, including expansion capital investments, buyouts and recapitalizations.

Caltius Mezzanine, based in Los Angeles, manages over $500 million in assets for a diverse base of limited partners, providing flexible capital solutions to middle market companies requiring financing of $5 million to $40 million. With over 35 mezzanine debt investments since its founding in 1997, Caltius is a reliable and experienced financial partner to business owners, management teams, and equity sponsors.

PEOPLE

Howard Rubin, chief executive officer of BrightHeart

Howard Ross, co-founder of LLR