Specialist nursing care provider Crusader Medical Care has been acquired by Cheltenham-based Envivo Group.

Crusader provides care for those with highly acute, complex care needs and challenging behaviours, including mental illness and acquired brain injury, with over 100 staff members and operates two care homes.

Envivo operates a number of residential and nursing care homes and supported living services throughout the UK including a number in South Wales, through its Fieldbay brand.

Headquartered in Cheltenham, Envivo was supported in the transaction by Civitas Investment Management, an investor in specialist healthcare real estate in the UK.

Paul Mariner, executive chairman at Envivo said: "We are delighted to have partnered with Civitas to acquire Crusader Medical Care.

"Crusader is a well-respected, high quality care provider that will be supported by Fieldbay, led by Paula Lewis, which has homes across South Wales. We are looking forward to working with the Crusader management team to invest in systems and infrastructure to further enhance their quality, and to achieve excellent outcomes for the people the group supports, as part of the wider Envivo family."

Vincent Ashley, Crusader Medica Care founder and director added: "Our business has developed a strong reputation for care quality and its commitment to our residents and staff. It was important that a suitable acquirer was found that would continue to operate the business in this manner and I believe that Envivo fits the criteria perfectly.

Grant Thornton's Cardiff Corporate Finance team and Capital Law advised the shareholders with Grant Thornton also providing tax advisory services.

Grant Thornton corporate finance director, Jamie Roberts added: "Crusader is an outstanding business and we are delighted to have completed this deal which has provided a successful exit for the shareholders.

"Envivo is an ideal partner for the business going forward and we are confident it will continue the Ashley family legacy."