Our Clients and Completed Sales
Testimonials
Scott, I wanted to take this time to thank you and your team for being there every step of the way in the marketing and sale of my practice. You helped me set a realistic price for the practice, and with multiple offers to choose the best buyer. The transitioning of the practice was seamless with your help. Once again thank you. --Lawrence Sider, OD
The scope of selling and buying an Optometry business was encountered with many questions and bewilderment to both parties involved. Although I had heard of many formulas to evaluate the worth of our practices, there existed a significant gap between the high versus the low. As the seller, I didn't want to sell too low, and for the buyer, he did not want to overpay. Scott Daniels guided us throughout the purchase negotiations process and was fair to both parties. Scott evaluated the positives of my practice and also what it was lacking. Whenever I spoke to Scott, I was given the individual attention I needed and expected, yet Scott had many more listings from across the country, many at a higher worth than my practice. The staff was always prompt with replies to questions and efficient in handling documents. They gathered all the details of my practice and developed the practice profile, and kept all the legal paperwork correct and flowing. Even the escrow company did a fantastic job making sure all the documents arrived in a timely manner. Although I felt that sellers can network and find their own buyers for their practices, it is almost an art form to actually close the deal while keeping both parties engaged. That's where Practice Concepts comes in. I can now spend more time with my family, including my granddaughter who was born the day before closing, while the buyer, myself, the escrow company and staff at Practice Concepts were busy emailing and faxing the final documents. Best Regards, --Norman H. Wong, O.D.
My name is Dr Richard Kimmich. I decided to try to retire due to a bad hip about 5 years ago. I was listed with another broker for about 4 years. We attracted one offer early on and never had another offer. I decided to change to Practice Concepts. I was immediately impressed by the ease on contacting them and their professionality. Allison Robles and her associate were always available by cell phone and e mail. Within one year we received four offers and I finally sold for the asking price. All of the documentation and finalization of the money was handled very efficiently by them. It would have been impossible for me to do the work. I have nothing but the highest praise for the team at Practice Concepts. --Dr. Richard H. Kimmich, FAAO FCOVD MS
Dear Scott,
Thank you very much for your help. I was trying to sell my practice for 5 years before I found you. Your expertise in all aspects of marketing and sale of practice is unbeatable. You are a virtuoso. Professional conduct with perfect speed and efficiency are values of Practice Concepts. I'll recommend you to all doctors. I also would like to distinguish how very active, professional, and effective your staff involvement was. Thank you once more. --Dr. W. Andros-Andrzejewska
I would like to take this opportunity to send a sincere thank you for all of the hard work you and your staff put into the purchase of my dream practice. Every aspect of the process from start to finish was smooth and comfortable. Not only did you find the perfect practice for our family, but you and your staff helped every step of the way in our big move to Oregon. I would like to thank you Scott for your vast knowledge of optometry, it rnade the process so much more understandable and enjoyable. I would happily recommend your services to anyone in search of an optometric practice.--Jeff Harris, OD
I acquired coaching to help me at ease for a better transition as an owner of my practice (just purchased). I wanted to be able to get/find solutions to my concerns/problems faster and effectively. That's why I choose coaching with to Scott. His genuine approach of coaching has helped me understand practice ownership better and the hands-on observations at his wife, Dr. Wald's office, was practical and helpful. I would say for the dollar amount that I paid for coaching, I have received that back fully from the (revenue) growth of my practice within the first year.--Jenny Vu, OD
I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude for all your professional and personal assistance in helping to sell my husband's optometry practice (who passed away suddenly). When my husband's optometry associate introduced you to my husband and I, I must admit I was a bit skeptical about using your services. Now that the business has been sold, I can appreciate your professionalism in providing us your services in such a timely manner. You were able to make an accurate inventory of the equipment as well as the frames and contact lenses. Once we decided to put the offices on the market with your broker expertise, you were able to secure three buyers in ten days. We were totally grateful and relieved. I would highly recommend your services to any optometrist looking to buy or sell a practice. Thank you again. Remember that when my son graduates from SCCO, we have your phone number.
Sincerely,--Dr. Merry Jitosho
Recently, I sold my optometric practice and retired. I decided to use the service of Practice Concepts operated by Scott Daniels and his able assistant. Together, they found a bonafide buyer for my practice and made the negotiations and legal arrangements and paperwork move along in an orderly fashion for me. I would recommend this agency highly to any prospective buyers or sellers in the sale of an optometric practice.--Dr. R. Starr
My name is Dr. Walt Combs, Sr. I have been in practice for 43 years and just retired because of illness at age 72. I was very fortunate to know about Practice Concepts and Scott Daniels, a very competent, very intelligent, and a very caring optometric practice sales broker. It didn't take very long before he had five doctors of optometry being interviewed by me going through my office. He had screened them out so that they had the exact qualifications that I asked for to carry out my practice. He knew I was ill & he hastened the sales process for me to protect me from prolonged stress. The doctor was chosen by me and the sale went through without a hitch. Scott made selling my practice a nice experience instead of a chore as I had previously expected. I recommend him very highly for any doctor who wants speed, competency, and efficiency in selling their practice.--Dr. Walt Combs
Not only did I have an optometry practice to sell, but to complicate the matter I also wanted the buyer to want to buy my building. Because of my sense of gratitude for your accomplishment of this challenging feat in today's economy, I want to provide you with these testimonial words of recognition of you and your staff's successful efforts. Because I assumed that another practice broker had Practice Concepts expertise answering the questions of potential buyers, and providing solutions for funding the sale; I delayed by two years the sale of my optometry practice and building, as well as my retirement. I had become concerned that my practice would never transition to another optometrist, and that I would never be able to retire. From the presentation of my practice to potential buyers to and including coaching the buyer on successful practice transition and management, I am exceedingly grateful for Scott Daniels and his staff's expertise.-- William Dorrance, OD
I would like to thank you and for making the purchase of my practice so simple. You and your staff, Lisa Roberts, worked diligently and professionally to ensure that not only were your clients needs met, but mine as well. I was also impressed that you called me personally to inform me about this practice and that you knew it met the criteria that I was searching for. Even after the close of the sale, you are continuing to work with me to ensure that the practice is a success. I will be recommending Practice Concepts to any of my colleagues that are looking to buy or sell a practice. Thank you guys for your help. Practice Concepts made my first practice purchase a pleasant experience.--Dr. Yau-Ru Chen
After 23 years owning my retail optical dispensary, deciding to sell was no easy decision. That was a 2 year process. But choosing the right broker to represent my interests when the decision was finally made was easy. In the first 15 minutes of meeting with Scott of Practice Concepts, I knew I’d found an experienced professional who would handle the details with heart. Scott was referred to me by another Optician who also sold his retail dispensary to an OD. He spoke very highly of Scott’s thorough business methods and proven success and how comfortable he felt throughout the entire process. Scott brought in the perfect buyers; exactly what I’d “envisioned” might see Modern Eyewear into the future and keep my clients satisfied with the change over. His patience, knowledge, and creative solutions for both parties was well appreciated. I’d recommend his services to sellers or buyers only interested in being treated first class. In fact, I can’t imagine anyone doing a more stellar job than I experienced with Scott and his staff at Practice Concepts. Thanks a million!!--Colleen Hannegan
I hired Scott Daniels and Practice Concepts as a buyers agent to help me purchase a practice. I found the seller myself and Scott helped me every step of the way. He helped deal with some obstacles and rough issues with the seller and guided me through a successful sale. He spoke to the seller often and helped me keep my sanity. I always felt that his knowledge and experience and communication skill gave me a lot more piece of mind. Buying a practice and the process can be really emotional and his steady and calm approach really was a huge help. I have never regretted hiring him as my consultant and I have bragged about him to every colleague that I talk with. Thanks Scott for all your help
A quick note of thanks for your advice and guidance during my recent purchase of a private practice. As you know, I have an MBA and worked in the business world for 10+ years before coming to Optometry. Early on in the purchase cycle, I realized that the economics and deal points of a practice purchase were outside of my previous expertise. Since this purchase was one of the largest I would ever make in my professional life, I found your advice to be crucial in considering the practice, evaluating the practice value and in helping me to obtain funding for the purchase. In short, had I not used your consulting services I would probably till be negotiating or may have lost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The practice is great, private practice is great and my wife and I are very happy with our relocation. Thanks again to you and your staff for the help and insight in this big move. Sincerely,--Philip Treu, OD, MBA
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you and your staff have put into the purchase of my practice. From beginning to end, the services your company provided were invaluable. I would happily recommend your services to anyone in search of buying a practice. --Eric Tennenbaum, O.D.
I was very pleased that I engaged Practice Concepts to handle the sale of my optometric practice. Scott Daniels and his very professional staff helped me to determine the correct price for my practice and guided me through the preparation of the many necessary documents. They provided all of the assistance that my buyer and I needed throughout the process. I was quite surprised at how quickly the sale was completed and I was delighted that they were able to help keep my legal expenses as low as possible. While I have always been one to take business matters into my own hands, I have to admit that I could not have done this on my own. Thank you for helping turn my dream of retirement into a reality. --Todd Stolzberg, O.D.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for helping me purchase my new practice. From beginning to end, you and your staff were there for me 100%. I was very nervous about the closing process and you made it very easy. I would happily recommend your services to anyone in search of buying a practice --Kristen Pumphrey, O.D.
Thanks Scott. You made a challenging task much more manageable. You taught me a lot! --Pam Brown, O.D.
Dear Fellow Colleagues:
I had the pleasure of working with Practice Concepts and Scott Daniels when I bought my first practice and now when I considered selling the practice. I chose Practice Concepts because Scott Daniels has the expertise and reputation in the optometry field that is second to none. I was quickly reminded why. Scott Daniels is extremely trustworthy. He examined my personal goals and evaluated what would best serve my interest, even if those options may or may not require his services. He is extremely accessible, remaining in continuous contact with the buyer and seller at all times. He keeps me updated on any progress. If there is no progress, Scott will find the problem and negotiate a solution. He is very efficient. Scott Daniel's assistant is equally efficient. She is very organized and resourceful. She has been instrumental in gathering all documents required for numerous transactions. She dramatically decreased the stress and confusion typically involved in escrows and office transfers. She was so organized and fun to work with that I look forward to receiving her emails and calls. It was a great pleasure working with Practice Concepts. They have made this potentially stressful time a very pleasant and easy experience. I strongly recommend using their expertise because they understand their client's goals and strive to achieve them. I look forward to working with Practice Concepts again in the future.--Lee-jiuan Luque, O.D.
You will have to make a trip to Sequoia National Park and visit us. Thanks for your help and friendship (selling my practice)--Lee Goldstein, OD
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your amazing staff for the professional manner in which you and sold my practice. After founding my optical location more than 25 years ago, it was a hard decision to sell it and retire. When my wife and I did make the choice, I'm happy that I choose Practice Concepts' services for the sale. From our initial meeting, through the close of escrow, you and your staff were on hand every step of the way to provide valuable information and guide me. From putting together the profile to selecting the correct buyer, the services that your company provided were invaluable. I would happily recommend Practice Concepts to any of my colleagues in search of selling or buying a practice.--Dr. Ziggy Modnick
I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the great service and advice you provided me with the sale of my practice. Your expertise, knowledge and help regarding practice evaluation and the documentation required in a practice sale far exceeded my expectations. You greatly relieved me from the pressures that I would have encountered if I would have tried to sell on my own, especially when I received more than one, two, and three and as many as four interested buyers. I was able to refer them to you and it allowed me to concentrate on running my office and care for my patients. I felt like a VIP receiving special service and advice. Thanks to your administrative assistant for answering my many questions and keeping me abreast of the transactions and due dates. She was a tremendous help and very pleasant each time I called. Thanks for all your help. I definitely recommend Practice Concepts to all practitioners interested in selling their office.--Dr. Vincent De Francisco
You certainly made me a believer in the value of a broker when it comes to the sale of a practice. You bought me four qualified buyers within 2 weeks of the listing, helped me select the best one, came in with an excellent backup buyer and closed within 90 days! This feat was more impressive when you consider that I babied a prior prospect for 2 years, only to have it fail 4 days before closing. Your positive attitude and friendly approach, as well as, your diligence in the prompt return of phone calls helped make this a truly effortless and comfortable transaction. Please feel free to have any of your prospective clients call me for any information they may seek regarding the sale and our relationship. I highly recommend your services in the sale of a practice.--Dr. Stewart M. Forman
We would like to thank you for the service that you provided for us. Our needs were different than the typical sale of an optometric practice as Dr. Bik worked in the practice for eighteen years and we knew that the sale of the practice would be to him. But how would we establish a fair price, draft a contract, transfer the lease (it is a mall practice), obtain financing, and establish and close an escrow? We contacted your firm Practice Concepts for help. You had us split a set fee (which was very fair) to assist us with the transfer of the practice. Your expertise, professional connections, confident and calm demeanor put both of us at ease and provided us with a smooth, trouble free transaction. We have already recommended Practice Concepts to our fellow optometrist who is contemplating retirement. Thank you for providing such a great service for the optometric community.--Dr. Robert Marshall and Dr. Steven Bik
One of new years resolutions was to send you this testimonial and on Dec. 31st I did receive final $ on sale of bldg and I am very happy in my semi retired work role. At first I was skeptical that Practice Concepts could actually sell my practice in less than the three month timeline I had requested. However, they did quickly find a buyer and managed all the details for selling it on time and at a fair price. I encourage anyone interested in buying/selling an optometry practice to use their services. Thanks again and Happy New Year. --W. Steve Kroeger OD FAAO
I want to thank you and your wonderful staff for your assistance in selling our practice. I was very impressed with the teamwork you demonstrated and your sincere desire to ensure our practice sale was fair and equitable to all parties. From the time Andrea and I first met you through the close of escrow there was always someone available to move our transaction forward in a very timely manner. I would wholeheartedly recommend your services to any doctor either in search of a practice or desiring to sell a practice or take on an associate. Thanks to all of you at Practice Concepts for your assistance.--Dr. Robert L. Gordon
Thank you so very much for helping me buy my practice. I really appreciate all of your help.--Dr. P. Nguyen
This letter is to introduce Mr. Scott Daniels of Practice Concepts. Mr. Daniels represented me in the sale of my optometric practice of some forty years. After vacillating between retiring or not and changing my mind, Scott persevered and with his guidance and ability made a clear way to allow me to retire. Since it was an involved transaction regarding real estate commitments and moving the location of the practice from its original site, and retaining the employees it was a little more complicated. During our dealings, I found Scott to be fair and delivered on his promises, regardless of unforeseen challenges. Furthermore Scott has the credentials and proven track record to complete a project. My dealings with Scott turned out well for all parties involved.--Dr. Neil A. Diamond
Practice Concepts really came through for me. From listing the office, locating a buyer, working with an especially difficult landlord, Practice Concepts was able to coordinate all the involved parties and close the deal. Thank you, Scott and Lisa for all your hard work and dedication. I couldn't have done it without you. --Dr. Kelly Dinh
Purchasing my practice was such a smooth process from start to finish. Scott Daniels and his wonderful staff allowed me to rest assured that every detail was taken care of. Finding the right person for the right practice is what Practice Concepts did for me. They really did deliver all that they had promised the day they had proposed the second office purchase. Thanks again. --Dr. J. Yamane
My experience with Practice Concepts was extremely reassuring. They handled all the details regarding the sale of my practice, leaving me to attend to patient care and other issues during the process. There are so many intricacies to attend to, and I am sure I would have botched the process on my own! I would strongly recommend Scott Daniels and his staff of professionals to anyone who is buying or selling a professional practice. --Dr. J. Brendel
Scott Daniels and his colleagues at Practice Concepts made the sale of my practice very smooth indeed. Scott's professionalism and attention to detail and follow up created a climate of confidence during the entire process. I have no hesitation in recommending Practice Concepts to my colleagues. --Dr. Ian Lane
I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the great service and advice you provided me with the sale of my practice. Your expertise, knowledge and help regarding practice evaluation and the documentation required in a practice sale far exceeded my expectations. You greatly relieved me from the pressures that I would have encountered if I would have tried to sell on my own, especially when I received more than one, two, and three and as many as four interested buyers. I was able to refer them to you and it allowed me to concentrate on running my office and care for my patients. I felt like a VIP receiving special service and advice. Thanks for all your help. I definitely recommend Practice Concepts to all practitioners interested in selling their office. --Dr. Gabriel Dery
Well, I finally did it. I sold my practice as of today. It was a long time in coming and the new owner is wonderful. Being 71 years old and graduating from ICO in 1956, means that I graduated prior to most of you being born. I will still be on the list and monitor you all in a "sleep mode". My health was a factor (a small factor) and my wanting to have more time to play with my grandchildren was the main reason. Now that I have more time on my hands, I will again try to get involved with the Los Angeles County Optometric Society. I gave up my position as Treasurer last year and want to be a member of the board with no real "job". I hope that the board members will allow me to do that. I also want to thank the broker who arranged the sale of my practice. Scott Daniels of Practice Concepts did a remarkable job and made this sale move very fast. There were no conflicts and escrow was a snap. If anyone is thinking of selling or buying a practice, I would highly recommend him. PS: I have NO interest in his company and if it went poorly, you can be guaranteed that I would let you know that fact. To all my friends on the list, this is a new beginning for me, --Dr. Ellis Miles
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you and your staff have put into the sale of my practice. After owning my practice for 18 years, my wife and I decided to sell my practice and we are very happy we choose Practice Concepts to assist us with the sale. From beginning to end, the services your company provided were invaluable. I would happily recommend your services to any of my colleagues in search of buying or selling a practice. --Ben Kohn, OD
Thank you and your staff for all the good work in selling my practice. I feel you were more than fair in the negotiations between buyer and seller and I would not hesitate to recommend your services to any optometrist. Special thanks to your assistant for all her prompt, efficient and organized efforts that were invaluable in helping to resolve some of the issues that came up towards the end of the transactions and allowed the escrows to close on time. --Dr. Don Negri
I tried a couple of practice brokers before and found them unsatisfactory. Practice Concepts handled the total transaction, answered all questions and concerns, made both seller and buyer at ease with the process, and best of all--delivered! I highly recommend this organization to anyone interested in buying or selling an optometric practice. --Dr. Craig Asmussen
Thank you again for all of your help over the past couple of months. It was a very important decision for me to purchase this practice and I thank you and everyone else at Practice Concepts for all of the hard work along the way. --Chad Cullison, OD
Thank you very much for your assistance and representation in selling my veterinary hospital. The complexity of the deal and sheer magnitude of what we were dealing with, your professional background and expertise were greatly appreciated. Not only did you bring the deal together, you held it together during the negotiation process. --Dr. Cousch
After founding my practice more than 30 years ago, it was a big decision to sell and go into semi-retirement. I checked with several colleagues to see who they trusted and you were at the top of their list, and now I understand why. I could not be happier that I chose Practice Concepts' services for the sale. From our first conversation, through the close of escrow, you or your staff was on hand every step of the way to provide the information I needed to make a decision. From putting together the profile to selecting a qualified buyer, the services that your company provided were invaluable. When there were complications with the sale of the property, I was so impressed that you personally went down to the city's building office and found the solution when others could not. It was your tenacity that allowed my sale to happen. From the time that I signed the listing agreement to the close of escrow was less than two months. With the spectacular service provided I would happily recommend Practice Concepts to any of my colleagues in search of selling or buying a veterinary practice. --Dr. G. Hofacre
I was anticipating a long, difficult process to sell my practice. However, within 30 days they found an eager buyer. The sale closed within 90 days of when I first contacted them.The sale went smoothly. They are experienced professionals who handled all details and problems and guided me through the process. I would recommend them without reservation to anyone in need of an experienced, professional, highly competent business broker. --Dr. S. Grossman
You and your staff concluded the sale of my solo mixed practice and real estate. Being located in an agricultural area in Eastern Washington with limited future economic growth potential. You were very honest in what my expectations should be concerning practice value and the number of available purchasers. When the suitable person was found he allowed us to discuss the practice and most aspects of the negotiations with the exception of purchase price, which I greatly appreciated. Throughout the process you made yourself available at all times to answer questions and solve problems that arose, so as to make the procedure as smooth as possible. You truly earned your money with your advice to me concerning tax distribution and legal methods to avoid unnecessary taxes and costs. --Dr. M. Underwood
I want to express my gratitude to you for a job well done in the sale of my veterinary practice and real estate. As you know my situation was unique because I had my home on the same acreage as the animal hospital which limited the number of potential buyers. Nevertheless you persisted in marketing our holdings with your positive attitude until you found the right buyer. I appreciated your nationwide advertising which attracted the attention of our buyer who lived in Ohio. I also was impressed with the guidance which you provided me during the negotiations. You made a seemingly arduous task much easier by your recommendations. You were readily available to answer my many questions over many months. I really liked your gentle manner in the way that you cleared the various hurdles that rose up during the process. Thanks again! --Dr. M. Phipps
I was very impressed with the hands on approach your company provided. Even in today's market, you were able to secure multiple offers for my practice and the toughest decision I had, was to choose the right doctor for my practice. You held my hand though the entire process and I am extremely happy with the doctor I choose. Your expertise and experience made a big difference in the whole process. I would highly recommend Practice Concepts services. Thanks again for your support.
Sincerely, --Ken Cox, DVM
As I was preparing to sell and retire I took in numerous meetings and discussion groups in the buying and selling of veterinary practice. This was important to do, but difficult and emotional when it came down to the time to sell. I had built my own hospital and worked it diligently for 40 years. I was emotionally attached to say the least. When I recognized that it was not as easy as it looked, I contacted Practice Concepts. They got my sale done for me, responded to my every worried call with understanding and confidence and took care of details that would come up of which I was not aware. The whole process was one of little worry with his knowledgeable manner. --Dr. R. Charles
Thank you for all the hard work you did in selling my practice. Practice Concepts is a really serious business when it comes to selling/buying a practice. I could not have made it without your help. --Dr. E. Chapoval
I just want to thank you for all your help in selling the animal clinic. The results were above my expectations. I feel the best decision I made was asking for your help in selling my practice. -Dr. A. Andres
I found Practice Concepts to be the right Broker with all phases of selling and evaluating a practice. They were professional and did their homework on all aspects before our meeting. I would recommend their service and would be happy to talk to anyone wanting to sell. Thanks for holding out till we sold it. With the economy and the situation with future potentials in selling a practice like mine, I appreciate all your efforts. I could not have sold it by myself. --D. Choi, DDS
I am very satisfied with the help and guidance in my practice sale. Before embarking on the project, I admit that I was a bit intimidated. After speaking with a few other consultants, there was too much confusion and too many unrealistic claims being made by other consultants and it delayed my decision to sell my practice. When I finally spoke with Practice Concepts, I had a very good feeling from the start. They were straight forward and patiently addressed all of my concerns. I was able to focus on running my practice while he guided the sale, with no surprises or challenges that we did not already anticipate. This resulted in a smooth sale... without any unnecessary drama. I would happily recommend them to my colleagues. --AHaase, DDS
They were kind, patient and very competent. They needed all of those attributes to work through the mine fields in the sale of my practice... Great job! I could not have asked for more. I recommend them, without reservation, and with a great deal of enthusiasm --J. Luckey, DDS
I tried to sell my practice myself. Had 4 buyers and every one of them either fell out of escrow or did not qualify for financing. Practice Concepts was able to close the sale on the first buyer brought in. I really appreciated the way they guided both parties through the complicated closing process. I knew how to sell the features of the practice but closing is a different animal. Buyers are either interested or not in your practice. But once interested it is still hard to run the gauntlet to closing escrow. Practice Concepts has a very calming and professional demeanor. They were able to get the buyer through each stage of the sale one by one without scaring them off. I was constantly kept abreast of the process and that made the usual anxiety level low.
I am very satisfied with the whole experience. I would definitely use your services again if it comes up. I have used other brokers in the past and have sold my previous practice myself, this is the best sale experience by far. Thank you for your hard work and sensitivity. I value what you did for me and would recommend you without reservation. --R. Chao, DMD
My experience has been nothing but spectacular. Exactly the kind of broker I needed. Someone who understands your needs and works to achieve your goal, not the broker's. Their experience is top notch, and attention to detail is second to none. I highly recommend Practice Concepts to anybody in need of a dental broker. --S. Hong, DMD
About Us
Practice Concepts, led by Scott Daniels and his wife Dr. Alissa Wald combine over 60 years of experience in business brokerage and the hands on skills of running a large successful practice. We've completed thousands of successful transitions and appraisals Contact us for a Free consultation and see how we can help you.
Navigation
Contact Us
- 1101 Dove Street Suite 225, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- (877) 778-2020
- [email protected]