A Stevenage-based domiciliary care services provider has widened its coverage of northeast England through buying a company in Darlington. Careforce, part of social housing repair and maintenance group Mears, has added Seraph to its portfolio in a seven-figure deal.

A Stevenage-based domiciliary care services provider has widened its coverage of northeast England through buying a company in Darlington. Careforce, part of social housing repair and maintenance group Mears, has added Seraph to its portfolio in a seven-figure deal.

The acquisition could be worth as much as £2 million if agreed performance targets are achieved. On completion £1.75 million was paid with the balance deferred for 12 months. The consideration will be settled in cash from Careforce’s existing resources.

Careforce chairman Mike Rogers said the acquisition not only extends the company’s coverage, but also provides access to several new local authorities.

This is Careforce’s ninth acquisition since Mears bought the company in April last year. This latest deal follows December’s acquisitions of Complete Care and Pooks Care with Care Connect Kirklees and the Sentinel Group bought in October.

Seraph has more than 100 employees providing some 3,500 hours of care each week. The company services contracts for Stockton Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council and Darlington Borough Council as well as for several private clients.