Browne Jacobson advises on sale of CF Social Work to Keys Group in key deal for children’s services sector

Two companies specialising in children’s services have joined forces to support young people across the UK in a deal supported by Browne Jacobson.

The UK and Ireland law firm advised the sellers, including BCF Equity Partners, on the sale of CF Social Work Limited to Keys Group Limited.  

CF Social Work is an Ipswich-based independent provider of social worker, psychology and educational services for children and young people struggling to access mainstream schools. The business also operates four residential homes for children in Suffolk who may have social, emotional and mental health needs, and delivers social work assessments to support local authority demands. 

BCF Equity Partners backed Ross Evans, Managing Director of CF Social Work, in an institutional buyout five years ago and partnered with him to grow and develop the business. Initially providing education services to 30 children, the business now supports more than 300 children across the East of England.

This acquisition means CF Social Work joins one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist care, support and education. Keys Group operates more than 25 specialist schools and 180 residential children’s homes across England and Wales.

The Browne Jacobson team was led by corporate partners Richard Cox and Vicky Tomlinson, and supported by Ka Man Shing (Associate), Harry Rowe (Associate), Sian Rose (Principal Associate) and Rebecca Burge (Principal Associate).

Vicky Tomlinson, Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “As a firm committed to supporting our clients in tackling society’s biggest issues, we’re proud to have worked with BCF Equity Partners and the other sellers in completing this notable transaction for the children’s services sector, which brings together two companies with fantastic reputations in alternative education provision. 

“CF Social Work and Keys Group are closely aligned as specialists in this area, and this transaction will help to scale up their services and enable even more young people to thrive.

“Browne Jacobson has significant experience advising clients in the children’s services sector, harnessing our deep understanding of the unique regulatory and commercial considerations that apply to businesses providing care and education to vulnerable children and young people.

“This transaction demonstrates the strength and breadth of our corporate capability across the health and social care market. We wish Ross and the CF Social Work team every success in continuing its important work."

Commenting on the transaction, Ross Evans, CF Group Managing Director, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for our growing business. Keys Group is a well-established and respected organisation that shares our passion for delivering high-quality outcomes for children and young people. We believe this partnership is an excellent fit, aligning perfectly with our values and vision for the future.”

Tom Spencer, Managing Partner of BCF Equity Partners, added: “It has been a great privilege to support CF Social Work – an organisation that does so much good and has transformed the lives of so many children over the last five years. At the heart of the business is a management team that always puts the child first, and this philosophy has ensured we always provide focused, considered and appropriate education and care packages for every child.”

Browne Jacobson has extensive experience advising organisations across the children's services sector, including children's homes operators, fostering agencies, education providers and local authorities. 

BCF Equity Partners appointed Grant Thornton, led by Ryan Dearman, as lead corporate finance advisor. Commercial due diligence was provided by Cairneagle and financial due diligence by Hazlewoods.