CF Social Work sold to Keys Group in major deal for children’s sector

Two companies specialising in children’s services have joined forces to support young people across the UK.

Browne Jacobson advised the sellers, including BCF Equity Partners, on the sale of CF Social Work to Keys Group.

CF Social Work is an Ipswich-based independent provider of social worker, psychology, and educational services for children and young people struggling to access mainstream schools.

The business also operates four residential homes for children in Suffolk who may have social, emotional, and mental health needs, and delivers social work assessments to support local authority demands.

BCF Equity Partners, backed Ross Evans, managing director of CF Social Work, in an institutional buyout five years ago and partnered with him to grow and develop the business.

Initially providing education services to 30 children, the business now supports more than 300 children across the East of England.

This acquisition means CF Social Work joins one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist care, support, and education.

Keys Group operates more than 25 specialist schools and 180 residential children’s homes across England and Wales.

The Browne Jacobson team was led by corporate partners Richard Cox and Vicky Tomlinson, and supported by Ka Man Shing (associate), Harry Rowe (associate), Sian Rose (principal associate) and Rebecca Burge (principal associate).

Vicky Tomlinson, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “As a firm committed to supporting our clients in tackling society’s biggest issues, we’re proud to have worked with BCF Equity Partners and the other sellers in completing this notable transaction for the children’s services sector, which brings together two companies with fantastic reputations in alternative education provision.

“CF Social Work and Keys Group are closely aligned as specialists in this area, and this transaction will help to scale up their services and enable even more young people to thrive.

“This transaction demonstrates the strength and breadth of our corporate capability across the health and social care market.”

Evans added: “This is a fantastic step forward for our growing business.

“Keys Group is a well-established and respected organisation that shares our passion for delivering high-quality outcomes for children and young people.

“We believe this partnership is an excellent fit, aligning perfectly with our values and vision for the future.”

BCF Equity Partners appointed Grant Thornton, led by Ryan Dearman, as lead corporate finance advisor.

Commercial due diligence was provided by Cairneagle and financial due diligence by Hazlewoods.