Care UK has acquired Access Homecare from Shirlie Traynor, who established the business in 1997. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed but the deal was funded by Care’s existing debt.

Care’s M&A director, Rob Starr, says the group decided to buy the company, which caters for the elderly, adults with learning disabilities and children, because it is a good quality homecare provider in the right geographical area. ‘It fits in well with our current operations and it’s in a key area for us to get into,’ he says.

The acquired business will become an operating branch of Care UK with Traynor retained to assist with the transition. The deal was introduced to Care by HW Corporate Finance, with partner Sean Moriarty leading with assistance from Victoria Skelton.

HW also advised Traynor on the financial aspects of the deal; legal services were provided by Brabners Chaffe Street, led by senior partner Robert Street and corporate solicitor Simon Lewis.

Care’s legal adviser was Tracey Seath, a partner in Birkett Long’s commercial and corporate finance department, who regularly assists the group on its acquisitions. The firm’s team included Jane Calnan, a partner in its commercial property division.

Colchester-based Care is listed on the London Stock Exchange and valued at more than £300 million. The group provides more than 80,000 hours of homecare a week to some 11,000 people through 44 branches and works with 70 local authorities throughout the UK.

It reported a £183.3 million turnover for the year to October 2006 with an operating profit of £19.5 million.