Bupa has moved into the home healthcare business with the purchase of Clinovia from Lyceum Capital for £87.7m.
Bupa chief executive Val Gooding said: "We see this acquisition as an important early step in offering a broader range of healthcare services in a home and community setting. The combination of the management team and Clinovia's track record in delivering services together with our breadth of experience in the health and care industry will help us target new opportunities."
Robbie Burns, managing director of Clinovia, which has 8,500 patients on its books and employs 450 staff, added: "We are delighted that Clinovia has become part of the BUPA Group which will bring benefits to patients, customers and staff alike. BUPA's investment and support will enable us to achieve our plans to deliver a wider range of products and services to support more patients at home or in the community."
