A group of nine specialist care homes in North Kent has been sold following a deal managed by property adviser Christie & Co. The transaction marks a significant change for Insight Specialist Behavioural Service, which has operated since 1991 as a dedicated provider for adults with a learning disability and additional behaviours that challenge community services.
Insight Specialist Behavioural Service was founded by Lynda Cashford and Jackie Hales. Over more than three decades, the pair established a network of freehold properties located in Minster on Sea, Sittingbourne and Walderslade. These properties are held through a combination of the limited company structure and personal ownership by the founders. Alongside the buildings, a long serving management team remains in place, with most of its members having held their posts for over ten years.
The sale process followed the decision by Cashford and Hales to retire. Christie & Co’s John Harrison oversaw the transaction and arranged the transfer of the care home group to Dillen Iyavoo of Sussex based Pathway Healthcare. Harrison said that multiple offers were received, reflecting ongoing demand for care businesses in the South East from the firm’s buyer database.
Cashford and Hales said “It was a difficult decision to sell our business and it was important for us to find a buyer who will continue to operate it with the same values as us, particularly as other family members are still involved.” They added “We are very pleased to have found a buyer in Dillen and his team, who already have considerable experience and a good reputation in the specialist care sector.”
Iyavoo said “We are delighted to have completed the purchase of Lynda and Jackie’s business, which has such a good reputation and complements our existing specialist care business in Sussex very well.” He added “We are excited to be involved in its next chapter now.”
Reflecting on the completion of the transaction, Harrison commented “I am delighted to have acted on behalf of Jackie and Lynda and to have completed the sale of their specialist care home group, which they have operated for 34 years.” He said “I’m happy to have achieved their aim of selling the business to a buyer in Dillen and his team, who they are happy will continue to strengthen the ethos and reputation their business enjoys.”
The context of the transaction underscores continued activity in the South East care sector. The specialist care home sale demonstrates the level of buyer interest in established services with long standing operational structures. The presence of an experienced management team, the stability of the organisation and the positioning of its nine care homes across several North Kent locations were key features of the deal. The focus key phrase specialist care home sale reflects the significance of the transaction within the regional market.
