IFAS Acquires Linwood Podiatry; Mereo Hires Senior Associate

Linwood Podiatry joins the IFAS family

Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists (“IFAS”) is excited to start the fourth quarter with the acquisition of Linwood Podiatry, a single-location practice in Linwood, New Jersey, led by Dr. Charles (“Chuck”) Murphy. Dr. Murphy brings extensive expertise in foot and ankle surgery and is highly respected within the podiatry community. He is on the medical staff of Shore Medical Center and Access Surgicenter and is an active member of APMA and NJ Podiatric Medical Society.

Linwood Podiatry’s integration into the IFAS network strengthens IFAS’s presence in New Jersey and reinforces its standing as a leading provider of comprehensive lower extremity care in the Mid-Atlantic region. With 11 practices operating across 19 locations, IFAS remains committed to enhancing patient care in podiatry through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. If you are interested in exploring opportunities to join our expanding network, visit our website to learn more about how IFAS can support your practice: https://integratedfootandankle.com/join-our-network/.

Phil Cooke joins Mereo Capital Partners as Senior Associate

We are pleased to announce that Phil Cooke has joined Mereo Capital Partners as a Senior Associate after interning with Mereo in the summer of 2023. Phil recently completed his MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was recognized on the Director’s List (top 10% of class). Prior to his MBA, he worked at Binnacle Capital Services, a family office, and served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Elsevier and Director of Corporate Affairs of RELX Group, Elsevier’s parent company. Phil grew up in the Philadelphia area and is a graduate of Princeton University.

SCOTTIE MILLER

ASSOCIATE

Prior to Mereo, Scottie was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group at Jefferies, where he executed on various mergers and acquisitions and capital raising initiatives. Notably, his deal experience includes the sale of Dental Care Alliance, a leading multi-specialty dental support organization, to Mubadala Investment Company.
Scottie graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with his BS in Accounting and Finance.

JOHN MATTHEWS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

John worked most recently at Hamilton Lane as a Direct Investment Analyst, evaluating equity and credit co-investment opportunities. John previously interned for Susquehanna Private Capital and LMZ Partners. John received his BBA from Temple University.

ADAM BOWIE

PRINCIPAL

Prior to Mereo, Adam worked for L2 Capital Partners executing control investments across a variety of industries in the lower middle-market and supporting portfolio companies on high-impact strategic initiatives. Previously, Adam was an investment banker covering diversified industrial companies in Citigoup’s Global Industrials Group. Before transitioning to a career in finance, Adam served as a Ground Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Adam earned his MBA in finance and management from NYU Stern and his BBA from Temple University.

GIORGIO BOERO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Giorgio most recently served as CFO of Silver Star Opportunity Partners and as a consultant for Financial Advisers Partnership. Previously, he worked at Silvermine Capital Management as the firm’s CFO. Prior to Silvermine, Giorgio was the CFO of TCW Advisors, Inc. Private Equity Fund, specializing in Latin American middle-market companies. Giorgio received his Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of Buenos Aires.

JOHN O'HARE

CO-FOUNDER, PARTNER

Prior to Mereo, John was a senior professional at Tortola Advisors, where he provided operational turnaround services to middle-market companies. Previously, John was Co-Portfolio Manager at Saybrook Corporate Opportunity Funds. While at Saybrook, he served on the boards of directors of six portfolio companies. John received his BA from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.

RICH KURTH

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Rich most recently served as Co-Head of the Man Group’s Leveraged Credit strategy. Rich previously sold Silvermine Capital Management, a credit hedge fund he co-founded, to the Man Group. Prior to founding Silvermine, Rich was founding member, portfolio manager, and head trader of TCW’s Senior Loan and Bank Debt Group. Rich received his BS in Business Administration from The Citidel, The Military College of South Carolina.

LEO HELMERS

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Leo is the founder of three investment strategies: Susquehanna Private Capital, a middle-market buyout fund; LMZ Partners, a family office focused on lower middle-market control buyouts; and Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, the mezzanine funds of The Carlyle Group. Previously, he worked at Crescent Capital, the Mezzanine investment platform of TCW. Leo has recently served on the boards of several portfolio companies, including McNally Ind., SPC Dermatology, Sunrise Transportation, LeverPoint Management and Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Also, Leo was recruited to chair the board of Plews, Inc. in a successful turnaround.