Browne Jacobson advises Medina Groups on sale of care homes to Fortava Healthcare

Three care homes developed and operated by a family-run business have been sold to a growing specialist care group in a deal supported by Browne Jacobson.

The UK and Ireland law firm advised Medina Groups, a leading operator of care homes across the East Midlands, on the disposal of three properties to Fortava Healthcare, a dementia and complex care provider.

The care homes – Long Eaton View, Stapleford View and Wilford View, in Nottingham – add to two 50-bed care homes in Peterborough bought by Fortava in May 2025 with backing from Downing Private Equity.

The Browne Jacobson team was led by Partner and corporate health lead, Vicky Tomlinson, supported by Harry Pearson (Principal Associate, corporate) Ka Man Shing (Associate, corporate), Ishaan Bedi (Trainee Solicitor, corporate), Craig Thomas (Principal Associate, tax) and Rachael Nelson (Solicitor Apprentice, real estate).

Vicky said: “It’s been a pleasure to support a care group that has been involved in these three high-quality care homes from the very outset, having overseen construction and then their operation over the past few years. 

“Medina Groups should take great pride that it’s now passing these sites on to a growing business with particular expertise in specialist dementia and complex care. 

“This deal arrives at a time when we’re seeing a high volume of activity in the care sector – particularly for well-built, well-run homes – as operators recognise the importance of meeting growing demand for care due to an ageing population.

“Providing a sustainable and high-quality supply of age-appropriate housing is one of society’s biggest issues. Our firm’s expertise across the later living sector and in corporate transactions makes us well placed to advise on these transactions.”

Since opening its first care home in 2012, Medina Groups has expanded to open seven homes in total across Nottingham and surrounding areas.

Fortava, led by CEO Johann van Zyl and CFO Jamie Stuart, is dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia and complex needs by expanding its innovative cognitive stimulation therapy (CST)-based specialist care model across the UK. 

The three care homes it has acquired will be integrated into Fortava’s operating model focusing on therapeutic environments, advanced workforce training, and clinically informed cognitive stimulation programmes designed to enhance quality of life and support cognitive wellbeing.

Medina Groups Operations Manager, Awais Ghazanfar, said: “It is with a mix of pride and sadness that we have decided to sell these three stunning care homes from our portfolio. 

“Having developed and then operated these well-located care homes, we are so proud of what the management and care teams have achieved during our stewardship. 

“We are now absolutely delighted to be handing over the reins to Fortava Healthcare, an extremely skilled and experienced team that I know share our ethos and standards, and will continue to deliver the best possible care to those who need it. We wish Fortava, its staff and residents all the very best.”

Jamie Stuart, CFO and Co-Founder of Fortava Healthcare, added: “This expansion demonstrates the strength of the Fortava platform and the confidence our partners have in our long-term strategy. We are building a differentiated care group – one that combines operational excellence, clinical innovation and sustainable growth.

“Nottingham is a natural next step for us, allowing us to extend our specialist and complex care expertise across the Midlands while maintaining the high standards that define Fortava.”

Browne Jacobson’s independent health and care team includes more than 100 lawyers specialising in corporate transactions, commercial contracts, banking and finance, real estate and construction, regulatory, safeguarding, claims and inquests and HR and immigration.

Medina Groups was also supported by Smith Hannah in tax and Greenoak Advisory in corporate finance.