Freeths advises on acquisition of ADHD and Autism Assessment Clinic

National law firm Freeths has advised Oxford’s ADHD & Autism Centre on its sale to a prominent provider of mental health treatment, Clinical Partners.

Founded by Dr Polly Branney in 2015, Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre specialises in diagnosing and supporting children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and associated conditions. The clinic has built a reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality services in the region.

Clinical Partners is one of the largest independent providers of mental health and neurodevelopmental services in the UK. With a 400-strong workforce, it provides to both the NHS and private sectors, serving around 40,000 patients annually.

The deal will see the expansion of Clinical Partners and the further development of services for patients and families. As part of the acquisition, around 40 specialist staff members from Oxford ADHD will join Clinical Partners.

Freeths’ award-winning Oxford corporate team is well regarded for delivering a leading service and guidance on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, fundraising, private equity, equity capital markets, due diligence, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, reorganisations and demergers, corporate structures and governance.

The Freeths legal team was led by corporate partner Malin Svanberg Larsson, supported by managing associate Edward Chapman, trainee solicitor Ellie Harrison, tax partner Claire Boyce, tax senior associate Nur Alzubeydi and employment partner Laura Tracey.

Commenting on the deal Malin Svanberg Larsson said: "We are delighted to have been able to help Polly and the Oxford ADHD team deliver this transaction. We wish both parties every success as they continue to provide invaluable mental health support to patients across the NHS and the private sector."

Clinical Partners Chief Medical Officer Dr Alice Parshall continued: “We are delighted to welcome colleagues from the Oxford ADHD Centre to Clinical Partners. Polly and her team have established a reputation as a trusted and high-quality provider in the Oxford area, and we share a commitment to delivering safe and effective services. We’re looking forward to working together and using our combined experience and expertise to further develop our services for patients and families.”

Dr Polly Branney said: “I set the clinic up eight years ago after experiencing a big care gap in local provision for an increased number of autism and ADHD referrals. Since then, we have treated over 3000 patients and partnered with a number of NHS services to help both adults and children access expert support.“

As a small independent clinic facing rising demand, it became clear that we could be more effective if we were part of a bigger group organisation who will invest in growth and training. Clinical Partners is the perfect fit for us, and I wish everyone well on the next chapter of Oxford ADHD’s mission.”

CapEQ Director Mark Sapsford added: “Mental health support access is critical in today’s world, and we are proud to have been able to complete this transaction. We wish both parties the best of luck in combining the businesses to provide even more effective support and treatment in the Thames Valley and beyond.”