London team advises Civitas on £200m acquisition of specialist care properties from CareTech

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Civitas Investment Management Limited (Civitas), the leading social impact investor, on its £200m investment to acquire specialist care properties from CareTech.

The transaction, which is under a sale and leaseback arrangement, includes a portfolio comprising specialist schools and children’s homes.

Civitas has been a key client of the firm since 2016 and is the largest investor in specialist care in the UK, with over £3.5bn under management. Its portfolio is dedicated to investing exclusively in specialist community healthcare and social infrastructure in the UK and Europe, backed by government funding and producing beneficial and sustainable social outcomes.

Founded in 1993, CareTech provides specialist social care services to 5,000 adults and children with a range of complex needs in more than 550 schools, residential services, hospitals and day centres. It employs more than 11,000 staff in the UK and internationally.

Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal adviser to Civitas, while JLL provided valuation services and Knight Frank provided property surveys. CareTech were advised by GSC Solicitors LLP. 

The Norton Rose Fulbright team was led by partner Charlie Pinkerton and also included members from our real estate, tax, planning and construction teams.