Kate Evans , Senior Corporate Finance Manager at Bates Weston reports on the sale of Oaklands Support Limited to Swanton Care and Community Limited.

Bates Weston’s Corporate Finance team, led by Chris Jones  was pleased to advise Oaklands Support Limited on its sale to Swanton Care and Community Limited.  The transaction was concluded last month and Bates Weston worked alongside Flint Bishop who provided legal advice to the sellers.

Oakland’s supported living services were launched in 2019 by Debbie Stojak and James Kidd. The business has grown significantly in Derby City, building on an excellent reputation for high quality care. Oaklands supports 54 people and has been rated Good by CQC, with progress towards Outstanding underway.

The purchaser, Swanton Care and Community Limited are backed by Apposite Capital.

James Kidd commented:

“Swanton’s investment in Oaklands provides an excellent opportunity for Oaklands to continue to grow and develop its people, practice and service. Swanton’s values and ethos closely matches our own vision for the future, and we feel this is an important and exciting step in the growth and development of the service.”

The transaction was the second business that Bates Weston’s Corporate Finance team has sold to Swanton, the first being Autism North in 2006.

Kate Evans commented:

“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.”

Mark Wilcock, Corporate Finance partner at Flint Bishop, commented:

“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”.

Chris Jones adds:

“We are pleased to have advised the Oaklands team on their sale. Given the recent changes made to Business Asset Disposal Relief announced at the Autumn Budget, we would encourage business owners considering sale  to explore taking advantage of the current lower Capital Gains Tax rates before the first increases come into effect in April 2025.”

If you would like to discuss the plans for your own business, please contact Chris Jones, Nicola Bullock or Kate Evans.

Related blogs:

Business Asset Disposal Relief | Bates Weston

Autumn Budget Report | Bates Weston