Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider makes another sale

Aged care provider Bolton Clarke Group has struck a deal to buy McKenzie Aged Care after a two-year negotiation.

The sale marks Bolton Clarke's third merger in three consecutive years, where it acquired Allity in 2022 and Acacia Living Group in 2021.

The aged care provider took the leading position in becoming Australia's largest not-for-profit provider last year.

While the sale is not yet finalised, it's anticipated Bolton Clarke will take over nine residential homes and two retirement villages from McKenzie.

It will also assume the management rights of eight of McKenzie's aged care facilities.

Bolton Clarke chief Stephen Muggleton said 'the move strengthened the organisation's existing services' reach in high demand locations across the eastern seaboard.'

After the merger, Bolton Clarke will deliver home care services to 130,000 people and raise its portfolio to nearly 10,000 beds across 38 retirement villages and 87 residential homes.

According to The Australian, Bolton Clarke is planning to sell some of McKenzie's real estate assets to the health company Australian Unity.

McKenzie is said to keep some of the freehold properties for the residential facilities.

Muggleton said he's pleased to have been able to find a way to bring McKenzie into the group after two years of complex negotiations.

"Both organisations are grounded in person-centred values with a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovative care services," he said.

"We have a lot of respect for how the McKenzie family established and built the company and we're very conscious of the need to build on their legacy." 

The McKenzie sisters opened their first aged care home the 'Armitage' in September 2001 at Melbourne's inner city.

Over 12 years, McKenzie Aged Care grew to 17 facilities across Queensland, NSW and Victoria – caring for 1,700 residents and employing 2,500 staff.

"We are delighted that Bolton Clarke Group will be the new owner and custodian of McKenzie Aged Care," the family said in a joint statement.

"We are confident we hand over to an organisation with shared values, goals and ability to deliver quality care.

"We want our McKenzie homes to remain a place of choice for people to live and work in for many years to come."

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