Pebble Care

Leeds care and education provider acquires sixth UK site

Ardenton Capital Corporation has acquired residential care provider and education establishment Pebbles Care.

This is said to be Ardenton’s sixth investment in the UK. Headquartered in Leeds and Dunfermline, Pebbles currently operates 41 residential care homes and four schools, providing care and education across the North of England and Scotland.

Ardenton will work with the business’ management team, and the investment will support Pebbles in its roll-out of best-in-class service for young people.

The company was founded in 2003 when company director Luiz Guilherme opened Pebbles House in Leeds.

Commenting on the deal, Luiz said: “The Pebbles Group has been providing outstanding childcare for more than 16 years, so it was crucial that we found an investor who believed in maintaining the values that have made the group successful.

“Ardenton’s strategy of a long-term investment model will ensure that the Pebbles Group continues to flourish and grow as a national preferred provider.”

Alison Moore has been named managing director, having previously held the role of operations director at Pebbles.

She is joined by Michael Walsh as CEO, who brings experience from the healthcare sector. The rest of the management team is comprised of Richard Graveling, James Doyle and Joy Wakenshaw.

Alison added: “Pebbles Care has always been an organisation that puts the young people at the heart of what we do.

“With the support and expertise of Ardenton, I am confident that together we can ensure that the young people get the best possible care and educational support.

“Quality of our care is paramount and the investment into our services will help us to take this to the next level.”

The acquisition by Ardenton was led by Director Iain Marlow, who was supported by James Worrall and Grant Goodwin.

Jamie Stuart and Philip Hartley of Clydesdale Bank provided senior debt for the acquisition.

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