Choosing the Right Growth Partner: How iSimulate Found the Right Buyer With Schwartz Heslin Group
When growth is on your side, the toughest choice is the next one. iSimulate was thriving, but scaling to its full potential required significant reinvestment or the right buyer with deep resources. The owners turned to Schwartz Heslin Group (SHG) for a clear path forward. SHG ran a focused sales process that kept fit front and center. It ended with iSimulate’s sale to 3B Scientific, a portfolio company of J.H. Whitney Capital Partners.
The Company
iSimulate is a healthcare simulation software company founded in 2011 by Peter McKie and Dr Anthony Lewis. They built reliable, realistic simulation tools that support training outside traditional simulation centers. Over time, iSimulate grew into an international business with offices in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) and a global reach in healthcare education.
The Decision Point
iSimulate had real momentum. The products were gaining traction, and the team saw a bigger opportunity ahead. But the next step came with a tough choice. They could reinvest heavily to expand on their own, or they could find a buyer with more resources and a longer runway.
There was also a gap between interest and intent. Larger groups had reached out before. That did not automatically translate into the right partner, the right terms, or a clear path to close.
With operations spanning multiple countries, the process also needed to be clean and well-managed. A transaction can pull leaders away from running the business. iSimulate wanted a partner who could support growth while keeping the leadership team involved and focused on what comes next.
The Process
SHG started by getting close to the business. The team took time to understand what iSimulate did, where it was winning, and what a buyer would need to believe to lean in. That early work shaped the story and the materials used to approach the market.
From there, SHG built a focused buyer list rather than broadcasting the message everywhere. The goal was simple. Get in front of the right people, not just more people. Each target was ranked using a scorecard, keeping outreach disciplined and allowing the team to prioritize groups with both strategic fit and real intent.
Because iSimulate operated across multiple countries, the financial picture needed to be clean and easy to share. SHG worked with the company to consolidate the information into a format that buyers could digest quickly. That cut down on confusion and helped keep conversations moving.
As interest turned into serious engagement, SHG ran the process day to day. The team managed questions, coordinated diligence requests, and kept timelines tight. That mattered because leadership still had a business to run. Instead of getting caught up in email threads and data requests, the owners could stay focused on operations while SHG handled the deal flow.
When the process narrowed, SHG helped the owners compare options practically. The decision was not only about price. It was also about resources, partnership, and who would be best positioned to support the next stage of growth.
The Result
The process ended with iSimulate’s sale to 3B Scientific, backed by J.H. Whitney Capital Partners. The deal gave iSimulate a larger platform with more reach and added support for the next phase of growth.
Just as important, the leadership team stayed involved. The founders and key executives continued driving the business plan, now with access to broader distribution and deeper product and training expertise across the 3B Scientific group and Cardionics. Day-to-day operations continued in both Canberra and Albany, so the team could keep serving customers while the business moved forward.
For iSimulate, this was not a finish line. It was a smart handoff to a partner that could help scale what was already working.
Key Takeaways
iSimulate’s story is a good reminder that a deal is rarely just about price. It is about what comes next. When inbound interest appears, a structured process helps separate curiosity from commitment. A tight buyer list that aligns with the growth plan keeps outreach focused and momentum up.
Transparent financial reporting also matters. Buyers move faster when the story and the numbers align, mainly when a company operates across borders. Finally, the process works best when leaders can keep running the business. Strong performance during a transaction builds confidence and supports better outcomes.
Choosing the Right Next Step
If you are weighing a sale, a recap, or a growth partner, the proper process changes the outcome. SHG helps owners frame value, run a focused process, and choose a buyer that fits. If you want to talk through your options, connect with our team and start with a quick conversation.
If you are building toward a transaction, SHG can help connect forecasting, valuation, and deal prep so your numbers and your story stay aligned from kickoff through close. Contact us to discuss a valuation, evaluation, and a plan that fits your goals.
