Eisvogel Group AG, a private holding company specialising in growth investments, has completed an investment in Shields Dental and Orthodontic Clinics, one of Ireland’s leading dental groups.
Currently employing approximately 90 people, Shields is recognised for its comprehensive, patient-centric approach to dentistry. Eisvogel secured debt funding from AIB Business Banking to facilitate the acquisition and support Shields’s future growth.
Eisvogel backs entrepreneurs by investing in growing businesses focused on software, industrial automation, healthcare and business services.
The company forms long-term partnerships, provides strategic support and invests its own capital to fund investee companies’ succession planning and organic and other growth strategies.
At present, the firm invests in growing companies in Ireland, UK and the Alpine Region (DACH and Northern Italy) with annual profits (EBITDA) of above €500,000.
Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinic is a multidisciplinary dental practice which combines advanced dental technology with personalised patient care.
Founded in 2004 by twin brothers Conor and Cormac Shields, who graduated from the Royal London Hospital in 1994 and are third generation dentists, the clinic offers a comprehensive range of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, paediatric dentistry, cosmetic procedures and dental implants.
Currently operating in Dublin, Limerick, and Tipperary, Shields is well positioned to extend its reach into neighbouring counties. Open seven days a week, its services are delivered by a highly experienced team of dentists with each clinician having more than seven years of clinical experience.
This integrated model ensures patients receive seamless, top-tier care, while clinicians benefit from a dynamic and supportive working environment. The practice’s ability to cross-staff across locations improves operational efficiency and enhances the patient experience.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Eisvogel to drive the next phase of our growth,” says Cormac Shields, managing partner at Shields Dental Clinics.
“As third-generation dentists, my brother and I have dedicated 20 years to building a group that prioritises outstanding patient care. With Eisvogel’s support, we can scale the ‘Shields Way’ across Ireland while maintaining our core values of quality and ethics.”
The investment represents not only a growth opportunity for Shields but also a platform for clinicians to thrive, he adds. He points out that the practice’s clinics provide an environment where skilled professionals can collaborate across disciplines, enhancing their skills while delivering superior patient outcomes.
The growth initiative underscores the group’s commitment to advancing the dental profession in Ireland, offering clinicians a unique chance to be part of an innovative, patient-first organisation, he notes.
According to Shields, by fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence, the practice not only strengthens its market position but also offers a rewarding and forward-looking career path for dental professionals.
“From our first meeting with Conor and Cormac Shields, we were impressed by their deep expertise, strong leadership, and the outstanding business they have built,” says Andrew Schemmel, director at Eisvogel.
“Shields’s ability to offer all dental specialities in-house and its highly skilled team of dentists sets them apart in a dynamic market. We are excited to provide strategic guidance as the group expands, whilst continuing to put patients care and positive outcomes first. We look forward to working with Conor and Cormac on this exciting journey.”
AIB’s support goes beyond funding the initial investment.
“We are delighted to provide funding for this acquisition and further build our relationship with both Eisvogel and Shields Dental Group,” says Donal O’Doherty, director of new business with AIB Business Banking.
“The support will facilitate the initial acquisition as well as the expansion of the Castletroy clinic to double its capacity. We are also providing further funding to Eisvogel to support its acquisition growth plan.
“Eisvogel carries out a small number of transactions per year in order to provide full support as an active investor to entrepreneurial businesses such as Shields and we look forward to further supporting them in the years ahead.”
