Rockworth leads the sale of The Birth Company to HCA Healthcare
Pregnancy scan specialist sold to UK division of multinational healthcare group.
Rockworth has acted as lead advisor on the successful sale of The Birth Company to HCA International.
The Birth Company was founded in 2000 by Dr Donald Gibb, a highly respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, with nearly 50 years of clinical experience. The company provides a wide variety of scans and therapies for expectant mothers and for women with fertility problems. It operates two clinics, located in London’s Harley Street and in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
HCA Healthcare is a large US provider of private health services, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HCA). The acquisition was completed by HCA International Ltd, HCA’s UK operating company. HCA International operates more than 50 hospitals and clinics under the HCA Healthcare UK brand, all located in London and Manchester. The company is perhaps best-known for owning The Portland Hospital, which specialises in maternity care as well as gynaecology and paediatric healthcare.
Rockworth had been engaged as an advisor by The Birth Company since 2016, providing advice and support as the business prepared itself for sale, through the development of its management team and succession plan. This preparation included the promotion to Managing Director of Kate Richardson, who will continue to run the clinics for HCA International.
Dr Gibb, who will work for the acquirer in an advisory capacity, said,
“The relationship we have built with Rockworth over the last five years helped to lay the foundations of a smooth and successful transaction. I am very grateful from the support provided by Lawrence, Claire and particularly Zuzana, with whom we had many discussions. She was always responsive, always smiling, and always had the answers to our questions.
“Selling a company I have built up over the last 20 years comes with some mixed emotions. It has been quite a journey. But I am delighted with the outcome that Rockworth helped to achieve, and I am looking forward to seeing the business continue to thrive under HCA’s ownership.”
