Buyout is sixth UK deal by investment specialist
Ardenton Capital Corporation has acquired Pebbles Care, a provider of residential care and education for young people across the UK, for an undisclosed sum in Ardenton’s sixth investment in the UK.
Based in Leeds and Dunfermline, Pebbles operates 41 residential care homes and four schools, providing care and education across the North of England and Scotland for more than 100 young people.
Ardenton will work closely with the business’s management team, and the investment will support Pebbles in its roll-out of best-in-class service for young people.
The company was founded in 2003 when company director Luiz Guilherme opened Pebbles House in Leeds.
Guilherme said: “The Pebbles Group has been providing outstanding childcare for more than 16 years, so it was crucial that we found an investor who believed in maintaining the values that have made the group successful.
“Ardenton’s strategy of a long-term investment model will ensure that the Pebbles Group continues to flourish and grow as a national preferred provider.”
Iain Marlow, director at Ardenton in Manchester, said: “It’s a privilege to be working alongside the Pebbles Care management team to support the invaluable work the business does looking after some of the most vulnerable young people in society.
“Our investment will enable the team to invest further into the quality of their care provision and expand their services to provide more capacity.
“At Ardenton, we look to work with proven and ambitious management teams to help take their business to the next stage of growth.”
Alison Moore has been named managing director having previously held the role of operations director at Pebbles.
She is joined by Michael Walsh as chief executive who brings strong experience from the healthcare sector. The rest of the management team is comprised of Richard Graveling, head of education, James Doyle, head of commissioning, and Joy Wakenshaw as head of care.
Moore said: “Pebbles Care has always been an organisation that puts the young people at the heart of what we do. With the support and expertise of Ardenton I am confident that, together, we can ensure that the young people get the best possible care and educational support.
“Quality of our care is paramount and the investment into our services will help us to take this to the next level.”
New CEO Walsh added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to work alongside a great team who continue to prove their dedication in providing outstanding care services for young people.
“With this deal the business now has the backing to grow and cement its position as the leading care provider in the UK for young people.”
The acquisition by Ardenton was led by Marlow, who was supported by James Worrall and Grant Goodwin.
Jamie Stuart and Philip Hartley of Clydesdale Bank provided senior debt for the acquisition.
Castle Square Corporate Finance, led by director Kevan Shaw, with support from Steve Bell and Patrick Lynch, provided advice to Ardenton. Orbis Partners, led by Shah Zaki and including Steve Nock and Steph Mersh, advised shareholders on the deal.
Other advisers on the acquisition were: Andrew Green from Addleshaw Goddard who provided legal support to Ardenton. Clare Connell of Connell Consulting provided commercial due diligence advice. Simon Wormald and Ian Roberts from KPMG provided financial due diligence support.
Catherine Kay and Nathan Main from PWC provided tax advice to Ardenton. Marsh Group provided insurance due diligence. Browne Jacobson provided legal services to Clydesdale. Sanderson Weatherall were the property consultants. Freeths provided legal services to the management team.
