Oakwood Care Group has completed the acquisition of Forest Gate Healthcare, adding three care homes and 105 bedrooms to its expanding Welsh portfolio. The deal, supported by a multi-million-pound debt facility from the Development Bank of Wales, includes Oakdale Manor in Blackwood (31 beds), Ty Ross Care Home in Treorchy (38 beds), and Woffington House in Tredegar (36 beds).
Expansion Details and Workforce Growth
The acquisition significantly expands Oakwood Care Group's presence in Wales, increasing its workforce from approximately 70 to around 200 employees. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. The group now operates five care homes across Wales, including Bryngwy Care Home in Powys and Williamston Nursing Home in Pembrokeshire, alongside the three newly acquired homes.
Support from Development Bank of Wales
Founded by CEO Kuljit Grewal, Oakwood Care Group is headquartered in Maidenhead. The Development Bank of Wales has supported the group throughout its growth journey, providing a loan in 2024 for the purchase of Williamston Nursing Home and a further debt facility last year for Bryngwy Care Home. Richard Easton, portfolio executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Oakwood Care Group has established a strong track record of successfully acquiring and developing care homes while maintaining a clear focus on quality care and resident outcomes.”
Commitment to Quality Care
Kuljit Grewal, CEO of Oakwood Care Group, said: “This acquisition is a major milestone for Oakwood Care Group and reflects our long-term commitment to providing high-quality care across Wales. Our focus has always been on people first. These are not simply care facilities; they are homes for residents and important parts of their local communities. We are looking forward to working with residents, families and staff across Oakdale Manor, Ty Ross and Woffington House to build on the excellent care already being delivered.”
Legal and Advisory Support
JCP Solicitors’ Corporate and Commercial Property teams advised Oakwood Care Group on the acquisition. Zoe Fletcher, corporate senior associate solicitor at JCP Solicitors, was involved in the transaction. Property advisory firm Christie & Co acted for Forest Gate Healthcare, providing an exit for Richard and Ian Hutchinson. They stated: “Having started the business over two decades ago, this was an important decision for our family. We are proud of what has been achieved and confident that Oakwood is the right partner to take the business forward.”
Industry Perspective
Oliver McCarthy, director of care at Christie & Co, commented: “We are pleased to have facilitated this discreet sale. Forest Gate is a well-established and highly regarded business, and this transaction demonstrates the continued demand for quality care operators. We wish both the Hutchinson family and the Oakwood Care Group every success in their respective future ventures.”
Future Investment and Community Impact
The acquisition safeguards jobs and supports future investment in care provision. Grewal added: “The support of the Development Bank of Wales has been invaluable throughout our growth journey. Strong, long-term partnerships give businesses like ours the confidence to invest, grow and continue improving services in a rapidly changing care environment. This investment places us in a strong position to continue supporting communities and strengthening care provision across Wales.”
