Fortava, the new dementia care provider led by industry giants Johann van Zyl and Jamie Stuart, has officially been launched by Downing.

The group has already acquired two purpose-built 50-bed care homes, the Maltings and Thorpe Wood, in Peterborough. These were previously operated by limited company Peterborough Care. The homes are a first step in Fortava’s mission to become “an innovative provider of dementia care with a model centred on cognitive stimulation therapy”.

Torsten Mack, investment director at Downing, said: “We are pleased to support this exceptional management team to establish a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards of care to its residents.”

Johann van Zyl added: “We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them.”

Downing was advised by Hill Dickinson (Legal), Hazlewoods (Financial and Tax), Connell Consulting (Commercial), Fulcrum (Operational), JLL (Valuation Services) and Vista (Insurance). Management was advised by Marriott Harrison.