Fortava: Pioneering Dementia Care with Downing Ventures' Support

Deal News | Jun 05, 2025 | Downing Ventures

Fortava: Pioneering Dementia Care with Downing Ventures' Support

In a strategic move within the healthcare sector, Downing Ventures has launched Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a company specialized in dementia care. Led by CEO Johann van Zyl, an experienced specialist in complex care, and CFO Jamie Stuart, a seasoned healthcare finance expert, Fortava aims to transform dementia care in the UK. The initiative kicks off with the acquisition of two 50-bed care homes previously operated by Peterborough Care Ltd. Fortava’s unique approach centers on cognitive stimulation therapy to enhance the quality of life for those with dementia. Downing Ventures, known for supporting growth-oriented management teams, has facilitated this venture to address the need for quality care in the dementia sector. The article underscores the ambitions of Fortava to not only expand in size but primarily to deliver outstanding care. With the backing of Downing Ventures, Fortava looks poised to set a new standard in dementia care through innovation and dedicated service.

Sectors

  • Healthcare
  • Private Equity
  • Real Estate

Geography

  • United Kingdom – The article focuses on the UK-based dementia care company Fortava Healthcare Ltd and its acquisition of care homes in Peterborough.

Industry

  • Healthcare – The article is centered around the establishment of Fortava Healthcare, a company aimed at providing dementia care. Healthcare is a primary industry given the involvement of specialized care and therapeutic solutions.
  • Private Equity – The involvement of Downing Ventures, a private equity firm, in financing Fortava Healthcare’s establishment highlights the relevance of private equity in enabling growth and strategic support in the healthcare sector.
  • Real Estate – The acquisition of two care homes involves the real estate sector, as the transaction includes purpose-built care facilities that serve as operational bases for Fortava Healthcare.

Financials

  • £5 million - £50 million – Typical investment range by Downing Ventures in sectors including healthcare, illustrating potential funding scale for Fortava Healthcare.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Downing VenturesPrivate Equity FirmCompanyA private equity firm backing Fortava Healthcare with financial and strategic support.
Fortava Healthcare LtdTarget CompanyCompanyNewly established dementia care provider backed by Downing Ventures.
Johann van ZylCEOPersonCEO of Fortava Healthcare and co-founder of Cornerstone Healthcare, specialized in complex care.
Jamie StuartCFOPersonHealthcare finance expert and former Deputy Head of Healthcare at Virgin Money, now CFO at Fortava Healthcare.
Peterborough Care LtdSelling CompanyCompanyPrevious operator of the two care homes acquired by Fortava Healthcare.
Hill DickinsonLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal advice to Downing Ventures for the establishment of Fortava Healthcare.
HazlewoodsFinancial and Tax AdvisorCompanyAdvised Downing Ventures on financial and tax matters related to the deal.
Connell ConsultingCommercial AdvisorCompanyProvided commercial advisory services for the investment in Fortava Healthcare.
FulcrumOperational AdvisorCompanyAdvised on operational aspects of the deal for Downing Ventures.
JLLValuation ServicesCompanyProvided valuation services for the acquisition.
VistaInsurance AdvisorCompanyOffered insurance advisory services related to the acquisition.
Marriott HarrisonLegal Advisor to ManagementCompanyProvided legal consultation for the management team of Fortava Healthcare.