Ardenton Announces Equity Investment in UK Care Business

Ardenton Capital Corporation is pleased to announce its strategic partnership and equity investment in Pebbles Care Limited (“Pebbles”), a provider of residential care for young people across the United Kingdom. This is Ardenton’s sixth investment in the UK.

Headquartered in Leeds and Dunfermline, Pebbles currently operates 41 residential care homes and four schools, providing services to more than 100 young people across the North of England and Scotland. Ardenton’s investment will support the business in its roll out of best-in-class service for those in need.

The company was founded in 2003 when company director Luiz Guilherme opened Pebbles House in Leeds. Luiz will exit the business as part of the deal.

Commenting on the deal, Luiz said: “Pebbles has been providing outstanding care for more than 16 years, so it was crucial that we found an investor who believed in maintaining the values that have made the company successful. Ardenton’s strategy of a long-term investment model will ensure that Pebbles continues to flourish and grow as a national preferred provider.”

Iain Marlow, Director at Ardenton said: “It’s a privilege to be working alongside the Pebbles Care management team to support the invaluable work the business does. Looking after some of the most vulnerable young people in society, our investment will enable the team to invest further into the quality of their care provision and expand their services to provide more capacity. At Ardenton, we look to work with proven and ambitious management teams to help take their business to the next stage of growth.”

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 strong experience from the healthcare sector. The rest of the management team is comprised of Richard Graveling, Head of Education, James Doyle, Head of Commissioning, and Joy Wakenshaw as Head of Care.

Alison commented: “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.

Ardenton targets majority investments in businesses alongside strong incumbent owners and management teams seeking support in delivering long-term sustainable growth for their businesses. Supporting the partnership between Ardenton and Pebbles is Director, Strategic Development, Allan Dunn. Based in the firm’s Manchester office, Allan is ideally located to oversee the implementation of the Ardenton Operating System (“AOS”) at Pebbles focusing on business improvement and growth.

About Ardenton Capital Corporation: Ardenton is a global private business investment corporation, focused on meaningful business partnerships and long-term growth. Investing alongside passionate owners and management teams, Ardenton acquires controlling stakes in profitable, well-established, cash-flowing private businesses. Ardenton works to remove constraints for its business partners and provides operating and financial support with a long-term view on value creation. Ardenton has offices in Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Guelph), the United States (Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago) and the United Kingdom (Manchester, London). 

About Pebbles Care: Pebbles operates care homes and specialist school academies across the United Kingdom. Born from a practice of innovation, dedication and excellence the organisation has grown into a national service with 41 residencies and 4 schools that continue to meet the needs of young people and offer a stepping stone to a brighter future. For more information, please visit www.pebblescare.com.  

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