CHICAGO— NovaMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVA), an operator of ambulatory surgery centers in partnership with physicians as well as a range of optical services, announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. (Surgery Partners). According to NovaMed, the company will be continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of Surgery Partners.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Surgery Partners, an affiliate of global private equity investment firm H.I.G. Capital, LLC, acquired all of the outstanding shares of NovaMed for $13.25 per share in cash. The merger was approved by the stockholders of NovaMed at a special meeting held on May 4.

“With the closing of the transaction, NovaMed's common stock will cease to trade on Nasdaq at market close today and will be delisted. Letters of transmittal allowing former NovaMed stockholders to deliver their shares to the paying agent in exchange for payment of the merger consideration will be distributed promptly,” the companies said.

Previously, NovaMed announced the special meeting “to consider and approve the merger, dated as of Jan.20” among itself, Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. and Wildcat Merger Sub, Inc. The merger agreement provided for the merger of Merger Sub with and into NovaMed, with NovaMed surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surgery Partners. Completion of the merger was subject to approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of NovaMed’s common stock.

NovaMed’s business also includes The Alliance, optical and medical product purchasing for independent eyecare professionals. Other optical services include laboratories and lab supply purchasing as well as Family Vision Care, its affiliated optometric practice.