Montreux Healthcare Fund owns ninth largest UK care group following merger

Quality care remains the priority for Isle-of-Man-based Montreux Healthcare Fund, which now owns the UK’s ninth largest care group, following a merger between two of its companies.

The merger between ACH Group, which operated 25 residential services in England and The Regard Partnership, was formally completed last September, resulting in the creation of The Regard Group.

The Regard Partnership, in which Montreux Healthcare Fund holds a majority equity stake, now provides learning disability and mental health care and support to more than 1,000 people. It is estimated to be the fourth largest care group offering learning disability and mental health care in the UK.

Oliver Harris, managing partner of Montreux Capital Management (UK) which advises Montreux Healthcare Fund, said: “We are continuing to offer high-quality care to service users as this is at the core of everything we do.”

Sandie Foxall-Smith, chief executive of Regard, added: “We now have a solid platform for growth and as we plan to continue delivering top-class care.”

Added value

In addition to providing the newly formed Regard Group with greater opportunity for expansion and improvement in its delivery of care, the merger has increased the group’s overall financial value.

Mr Harris said: “Since the merger we have had The Regard Partnership valued by a leading global Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors-accredited valuer at £202m.

“For us this is confirmation that the specialist care market continues its strong growth trend, and remains a real attraction to investors.”

Montreux acquired ACH Group and The Regard Partnership in 2014 for £40.5m and £119.5m respectively, showing a significant increase in the group’s value since the acquisitions and eventual merger.

Mr Harris added: “A number of further opportunities for the Montreux Healthcare Fund are already being actively explored.”