Priory Group acquire learning disability care provider

Independent mental health care provider the Priory Group have announced the acquisition of High Quality Lifestyles (HQL), a specialist in services for adults with a learning disability located in the Dover and Ramsgate areas.

HQL provide a range of domiciliary and outreach services, assisting individuals with complex needs, such as autistic spectrum disorder and other conditions that can lead to challenging behaviours.

The Priory Group, who are registered as operating 18 residential care homes, have significantly expanded their care sector operations through the acquisition of new services, most notably through the purchase of last year.

In acquiring Craegmoor, who are currently registered as running 167 residential care homes, the Priory Group became the UK’s leading provider of mental health and learning disability-related care services.

Managing director of Craegmoor, Sarah Hughes, welcomed the announcement: “We are delighted that High Quality Lifestyles will become part of the Priory Group of Companies, complementing and further expanding our Craegmoor services. This acquisition is part of the long-term strategy of strengthening and growing our business.

“Combining our portfolios will ensure that we can support more people and enable our stakeholders to benefit from the value that a larger group will undoubtedly deliver.

“We are delighted to welcome new service users and staff to our organisation.”