Barnsley-based, home help service agency Optimo Care Group has acquired Northwest home care agency Stepping Stones Services, a Good-rated home care agency and supported living business which provides specialist support services for people with learning disabilities, complex care and supported living needs across Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.

The business was established in 2011 and delivers around 3,300 care hours a week to more than 30 clients. It was previously owned by Arzoo Mahmood.

Optimo Care Group comprises a number of subsidiaries and delivers more than 18,000 hours of care each week across the North of England.

Stepping Stones’ staff will remain with the business, with plans to increase headcount through the expansion of its services.

Mahmood said: Having developed and grown the business over the last 13 years, I decided to sell to concentrate on other business interests and enable a new owner to grow the business further.”

Ben Hales, head of M&A at Optimo Care Group, added: “This deal further develops and supports our current growth strategy in supported living and complex care services. We have made a number of recent appointments into our senior management team during the winter period, and the group is now positioned to continue our growth on the back of last year’s performance.”

Business property advisor Christie & Co facilitated the sale.

Stepping Stones Services was sold for an undisclosed price.