The Principal Financial Group Announces Agreement to Acquire First Dental Health

By Business Wire –

August 13, 2012: The Principal Financial Group®, a global investment management and employee benefits leader, announces a strategic agreement to acquire First Dental Health. Upon closing, expected in October 2012, First Dental Health will become a member of the Principal Financial Group.

First Dental Health, a California-based independent dental preferred provider organization (PPO), includes more than 11,000 credentialed dentists with locations in California, Arizona and Nevada.

“This acquisition furthers our national dental network strategy, focused on owning and operating dental preferred provider networks,” said Deanna Strable, senior vice president of The Principal®. “By owning dental networks, our customers receive deeper discounts and broad access to local dentists. First Dental Health has a strong regional presence, which enables us to continue to enhance our dental business in California and surrounding areas.”
The Principal operates one of the largest dental networks in the industry, serving more than 27,000 employers across all states, plus the District of Columbia. Principal dental products offer covered employees and their dependents flexible, comprehensive plan designs that focus on preventive care.

“We will ensure a seamless transition for our customers and business partners with the same great service and valuable products designed to help customers get the most out of their benefit dollars,” notes Strable. “Through our acquisition of First Dental Health, we also gain a discount dental product, allowing us one more way to serve new and existing customers.”

Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals. To learn more about dental insurance products from The Principal, visit www.principal.com.

Source: John & Rusty Report via Choice Admin