Wed, 19 Aug 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
A portfolio of eight care homes across the South of England has been sold to a family-owned, owner-led provider, in a deal that takes the buyer to a combined 25 services across England.
The eight care homes, which consist of a combined total of 237 registered places, have been acquired by Holmwood Care Group following a sale process overseen by property adviser Christie & Co, working on behalf of Milkwood Care.
Milkwood Care’s homes are located in two regional clusters. Three homes are located in Hampshire, along with two each in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire and one in Berkshire.
The group was founded in 1999, when current directors Janet Lloyd-Leech and Robin Cheesman purchased Milkwood House in Hampshire as their first care home. The business has now been sold after the pair decided to retire.
The sale of the portfolio was coordinated by Charles Phillips and Rob Kinsman of Christie & Co, culminating in its acquisition by Holmwood Care Group, founded by brothers and group co-directors and owners Dr Asif Raja and Farooq Raja.
Post-acquisition, Holmwood Care Group has pledged to undertake ongoing investment in homes, teams, technology and training across the Milkwood portfolio. Lloyd-Leech and Cheesman will continue to support the group over the coming year, to ensure a smooth transition.
Lloyd-Leech and Cheesman said: "Following a careful and considered selection process, we have entrusted our legacy with full confidence to people we have known for over a decade and trust to take forward and build upon what we have created. We believe the future of the Milkwood group is in safe and capable hands."
Dr Asif Raja and Farooq Raja said: "The purchase of Milkwood Care supports our vision and our passion for providing the very best care homes for those who need them, and we are very grateful to Janet and Robin for entrusting us with the business they have built over 27 years.”
"Milkwood has built lovely homes, committed teams and the trust of the families they serve, and our job is to protect that and build on it. We would especially like to thank Milkwood's directors, managers and staff teams, whose dedication has earned the group its reputation, and we look forward to supporting them in the years ahead.”
Charles Phillips, director - care at Christie & Co, added: "Having sold Milkwood House to Janet and Robin back in 1999, it was a pleasure to be asked to confidentially market Milkwood Care Ltd when they decided to retire.”
"Following a confidential marketing campaign, which resulted in multiple offers, we were very pleased to agree a sale to Holmwood Care Group. With their in-depth knowledge of how to run successful care homes, we are very confident that the business will go from strength to strength."
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