Alantra advised the Company and Shareholders of Options Group, a national provider of care and education to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, on the merger with Outcomes First Group

Feb 2016

Merger

Alantra has advised the Company and Shareholders of Options Group, a national provider of care and education to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, on the merger with Outcomes First Group, which is supported by leading healthcare investor, Sovereign Capital.

The merger will create one of the UK’s largest providers of specialist care and education, and the combined Group will look after nearly 700 children and young adults across services ranging from special schools, residential care, colleges and specialist fostering.

The deal offers a opportunity to build upon the strong foundation of both companies and expand the services the group offers to local authorities at a national level. These include care, education and clinical support for looked after children including a pathway to fostering.A well-established pathway for children and young adults with autism ranging from residential and day schools, transition services for young adults through to supported living makes up the other key offering.

Graham Baker of Options will head the new organisation as CEO which at a Group level will be known as Outcomes First Group. Graham has been CEO of Options for over three years. Roger Colvin, who has been the CEO of Outcomes First Group for eight years, becomes the Chairman of the expanded Group. Both Graham and Roger have a wealth of experience in the social care and education sector and together with the wider management team, will lead the Group as it moves forward.