Core Viewpoint - Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. has announced an agreement to acquire Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care, enhancing its position in the pediatric home care market and expanding its service footprint into two new states [1][2]. Company Overview - Aveanna Healthcare is a diversified home care platform headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, providing a wide range of healthcare services across 34 states, including nursing, rehabilitation, and therapy services [5]. - Thrive SPC is one of the largest independent providers of pediatric home care, operating 23 locations across seven states, primarily offering skilled Private Duty Nursing services along with Pediatric Therapy and other health aide services [2]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and is seen as a strategic move to enhance Aveanna's service offerings and geographical reach [1][2]. - The combination of Aveanna and Thrive SPC is anticipated to create a stronger entity focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, reinforcing Aveanna's mission to lead in the home care sector [3]. Financial Aspects - Aveanna plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of common stock and cash from its balance sheet, indicating a strategic financial approach to support growth [3]. Leadership Perspectives - The CEO of Aveanna expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the cultural and geographical fit between the two companies and the shared commitment to high-quality care [3]. - A representative from Summit Partners, which supported Thrive SPC, emphasized the significance of this acquisition in enhancing care for medically fragile children and the alignment of visions between the two companies [3]. Advisory Roles - Edge Healthcare Partners acted as the financial advisor for Aveanna, while Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as the financial advisor for Thrive SPC, indicating a structured advisory framework for the transaction [4].