Care provider acquired in multi-million pound deal

NORTH West Community Services, which provides 24-hour supported living, supported employment and training, has been acquired by Midlands-based Mediline Nurses and Carers.

The deal has been backed by an undisclosed multi-million pound finance package from Barclays.

The combined business will generate revenues in excess of £20m and safeguard a workforce of more than 1,000 employees.

Mediline was established in 2003 and has since grown into one of the Midlands’ largest domiciliary care providers, supporting local authorities across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The company manages the coordination of its services from its head office in Foston, with additional offices in Lichfield and Derby. It invests heavily in staff training and development across all sites.
 
North West Community Services Ltd was founded in 1986, and provides a wide range of services including 24-hour supported living, supported employment and training.
 
The organisation operates across a wide area of northern England, with regional offices in Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Calderdale.
 
The group also has a large residential property portfolio providing 42 beds to accommodate service users with learning disabilities.

Mediline’s founder Peter Cook said: “The acquisition of NWCS provides Mediline with opportunities to diversify into a wider range of care provision and support services within its traditional market in the East and West Midlands.

“The amalgamation of the two companies will increase our mutual security, whilst providing additional opportunities for our carers and staff as we look to grow the organisation. We look forward to integrating the businesses under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Michael Baines.”

Chris Murray, managing director of NWCS, said: “Since NWCS’s founding in 1986, we have developed support and training services throughout the North West and have made a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives.

“With the acquisition by Mediline, NWCS is in a stronger position to continue to do this whilst offering our years of experience on services they do not currently provide.”
 
Funding for the acquisition was led by James Rutter, Barclays relationship director, who said: “We are delighted to have assisted the owners of Mediline with their strategic growth plans, which ultimately provides job security and further opportunities for growth across a large geographical footprint. Each business brings with it a core set of skills and expertise, which will be of great benefit to the other.”
 
The acquisition has been advised by the corporate finance arm of East Midlands-based firm HSKS Greenhalgh Corporate Finance, with legal support from Actons Solicitors in Nottingham.

The NWCS was represented by RSM, led by corporate finance partner John Daly with support from Helen Gibson and tax partner James Morris; and Richard Robinson, Sharon Harrison and Stephen Bell of Napthens Solicitors.