Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, announced today that it has partnered with management to complete the acquisition of Caring Brands International, Inc. (“CBI” or the “Company”). Tracing its heritage back to 1966, CBI is the leading franchisor of home healthcare services under three global brands: Interim HealthCare (in the United States), Bluebird Care (in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland) and Just Better Care (in Australia). Together, the CBI brands represent 530 locations operated by more than 250 independent franchise owners that produce over $1 billion of system wide sales annually. The Company’s franchisees offer individuals a full continuum of care at home including skilled nursing, assistance with daily living activities and end-of-life hospice care. Caring Brands is headquartered in Sunrise, FL.
CBI is the eighth investment from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Fund V, L.P. According to Lauren Leichtman, Co-Founder and CEO of LLCP, “Interim HealthCare, Bluebird Care and Just Better Care are three of the world’s leading brands in home healthcare. We are thrilled to partner with Kathleen Gilmartin (Chief Executive Officer), Mike Slupecki (Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and the entire CBI management team, who have led the Company through a period of significant growth both domestically and internationally. We look forward to working with the Company as it continues to increase system sales, expand its unit count and solidify its position as the market leading franchisor of home healthcare.”
Kathleen Gilmartin, Chief Executive Officer, and her management team will retain significant ownership in the Company and will continue to lead CBI. Regarding the transaction, Kathleen Gilmartin commented, “Identifying a partner with a long history of successfully investing in both healthcare and franchise businesses was important to us as we initiated this process. LLCP’s expertise in these areas, including their resources and relationships, will be critical in achieving our goals and objectives. I am excited about working with our new partners and expect to generate meaningful value for all of our stakeholders.”
Caring Brands was advised by Piper Jaffray & Co., North Point Advisors and Kaye Scholer LLP. LLCP was advised by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.