Outsourcing and energy services company MITIE Group has entered the healthcare market after acquiring Enara Group for £110.8m.
Enara is the fourth largest provider of home care services in the UK, providing services to people who require help and support due to illness, disability or infirmity. The business cares for 10,000 people via local authority, NHS and private pay agreements.

MITIE said: 'The community care market is a significant strategic opportunity for MITIE and an ideal entry point into the health and social care sector.

'The demographic and economic drivers of an ageing population, together with on-going cost pressure is encouraging a shift both from hospitals and residential care homes towards greater care in the community.

'The provision of this care is increasingly being outsourced by local councils and health authorities to the private sector, generating significant opportunities for growth.'

Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, chief executive of MITIE, said: 'We are delighted to have made this strategic acquisition, which establishes us as one of the market leaders in home care. Enara will provide us with a step-change in our service proposition as well as a platform to grow in the wider healthcare sector. We welcome Enara's 6,000 people to MITIE.'

MITIE bought Enara from August Equity LLP, a private equity company which had owned it since 2008.