Social care provider acquired by private equity-backed counterpart

A Derby-based mental health services provider has been acquired by a private equity-backed Coventry counterpart.

Oaklands Support, founded in 2019 and based in Derby has earned a reputation for its care, currently supporting over 50 individuals.

The acquiring firm, Swanton Care, is backed by London investor Apposite Capital and offers residential care and supported living services for adults and children with complex learning difficulties, mental health disorders, and acquired brain injuries.

Flint Bishop’s corporate finance team advised Oaklands Support’s shareholders on the sale, working alongside Bates Weston, who provided accounting and corporate finance guidance to the sellers.

James Kidd, who co-launched the Oaklands’ business with Debbie Stojak, said: “Swanton’s investment in Oaklands provides an excellent opportunity for Oaklands to continue to grow and develop its people, practices and service. Swanton’s values and ethos closely match our vision for the future, and we feel this is an important and exciting step in the growth and development of the service.”

Mark Wilcock, corporate finance partner at Flint Bishop, said: “We are delighted to have advised our clients on this local transaction. It was great to work with the team at Bates Weston again and we wish our clients and Swanton Care the very best for the future.”

Kate Evans, senior manager at Bates Weston Corporate Finance, said: “The Oaklands shareholders have built a business which will provide Swanton with a strong and established platform in Derby. As a firm we have worked within the learning disabilities and mental health sector for over two decades and have completed a number of these
transactions working alongside the Flint Bishop team.”