Leading Scottish care home operator Balhousie Care Group has been acquired by Belgian healthcare firm AcalisCare.

Balhousie said the deal signalled an “exciting growth phase” of expansion and capital investment under its current management.

Former chairman and founder Tony Banks, who remains an investor in the business, said: “After three decades of building Balhousie Care Group, I am extremely proud of what the group and the brand has become, which is a highly respected player in the care sector.

“It was hugely important to me that any investment partner we worked with shared Balhousie’s values and aspirations, and I believe AcalisCare does. This is the start of an exciting new growth and investment phase for the business, for our staff and for residents. It will ensure that the Balhousie brand grows even stronger over the next 30 years.”

Lieven Baten, partner in AcalisCare and the new chairman of Balhousie Care Group, said: “Balhousie Care is a natural fit for us and this deal gives us an important foothold in Scotland. Balhousie brings innovation and excitement to Scotland’s care sector. We see huge potential to grow and expand the services under the Balhousie brand.”

Balhousie is now home to almost 1,000 residents in 26 care facilities, ranging from residential and nursing to specialist care, across six regions of Scotland.

Planned capital investment includes extensions to two of its flagship homes, in Broughty Ferry and Bonnybridge. Balhousie is also advancing plans for new care homes in Dundee, Perth and Callander.

Connell Consulting produced the vendor commercial due diligence to support the sale.