In March 2011, Advent International completed its acquisition of The Priory Group, a leading independent provider of mental health and specialist care services.

Established in 1980, Priory operates from 66 sites and delivers services through 3,355 beds across the country. The business works in partnership with the NHS and local authorities to provide treatment and care facilities including secure and acute mental health services, neuro-rehabilitation therapy, specialist education for young people with learning and behavioural difficulties and complex care services for the elderly.

Underlying demand for quality health and social care is expected to continue to rise, driven by growing and aging population requiring more complex care, lowering social stigmas associated with mental health issues and improving diagnosis. Priory is well placed to deliver value for money and outcomes to more healthcare and educational commissioners as the basis for private sector supply to the public sector is defined over the coming year.

Advent’s strategy going forward is to work with the existing management team to support the continued operational improvements being made across the business as well as identifying opportunities for consolidation that emerge in the sector driven by a strong combination of social trends and economic and regulatory reform.