Welford Healthcare, supported by real estate investment trust Impact Healthcare REIT, has acquired Eastleigh Care Group, a group of three care homes in Devon and Somerset.

Eastleigh Care Group comprises East Street Residential Home and Raleigh Mead Nursing Home in Devon, and Minehead Nursing and Residential Home in Somerset.

The vendor is Garry Wilson who is retiring and said: “It has been a pleasure serving the communities of South Molton and the wider areas of North Devon and Exmoor, latterly Minehead and West Somerset, for nearly 30 years as Eastleigh Care Group. A particular highlight for me was when I was lucky enough to win two Pinder design awards in 2003 and 2006, these were very special, unexpected days.”

Peter Madden, partner at Welford Healthcare, commented: “As we continue to implement our acquisition strategy focused on high-quality, well-performing care homes, we are delighted to welcome the Eastleigh care homes into the Welford group of homes. We look forward to starting work with the teams and resident communities.”

The sale was facilitated by business property advisor Christie & Co.

Simon Harvey, senior director – healthcare at Christie & Co, said: “Having known Garry for many years, and seeing the group grow with the new builds at Minehead and, latterly, South Molton, I am delighted to have assisted his retirement from the sector. He has created extremely high-quality homes with a focus on excellent levels of care and leaves a strong legacy. We are equally pleased to have worked with the team at Welford Healthcare to assist their continued growth and expansion and wish them well with the operation of these homes and the others they have across the country.”

Eastleigh Care Group was sold for an undisclosed price.