CHICAGO — Ziegler, a specialty healthcare investment bank and broker-dealer, has hired Eric Smith, managing director; Chris Claps, senior vice president; and Dan Contardi, vice president. The three comprise a newly formed specialty healthcare private equity practice.
“With our extensive experience and dedication to the healthcare sector, Eric, Chris and Dan will add tremendous value not only to our clients, but also to the entire healthcare community,” says Tom Paprocki, Ziegler CEO. “I am excited to see them continue their investment success here at Ziegler.”
Smith brings 20 years of experience in originating, underwriting and managing principal investments in long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services. He has served as a partner in the formation and management of seven healthcare investment funds. Prior to joining Ziegler, Smith served as a partner of Contemporary Healthcare Capital LLC, which he co-founded in 2006. Smith has served in an investment management role in over 300 transactions representing approximately $1 billion in senior debt, mezzanine and preferred equity investments within the long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services industries.
Claps has over 14 years of finance experience, including eight years originating, underwriting and managing principal investments in long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services. Prior to joining Ziegler, he was as a senior vice president at Contemporary Healthcare Capital LLC, where he served as a portfolio manager for five healthcare investment funds. Claps has served in an investment management role in over 150 transactions representing approximately $500 million in senior debt, mezzanine and preferred equity investments within the long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services industries.
Contardi has over seven years’ experience originating, underwriting and managing principal investments in long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services. Prior to joining Ziegler, he served as vice president at Contemporary Healthcare Capital LLC. During this time, he served as a portfolio manager for five healthcare investment funds. Contardi has structured, underwritten and closed over 150 fund transactions representing approximately $500 million in senior debt, mezzanine debt and preferred equity fund investments within the long-term care, seniors housing and healthcare services industries.