Pinsents, SJ Berwin score CareTech deal

SJ Berwin finance partner Stuart Brinkworth advised the three joint mandated lead arrangers on the deal. These included longstanding client RBS, new client Santander UK and Lloyds Banking Group.

Finance partner Martin Bishop advised the Pinsents team acting for CareTech.

The deal marked the first time the City firm had acted for both Santander and the healthcare arm of Lloyds Banking Group.

The fact that a £165m debt package could get away with a club of just three lenders is a positive sign for the market, ­according to Brinkworth.

“It’s a good indication that banks are willing to lend large amounts to ­quality borrowers,” he said. “There’s still a flight to ­quality so they’re more ­confident lending to a listed company.”

The latest deal comes just a month after Brinkworth led a team advising RBS, Lloyds and Allied Irish Bank on private ­equity house Bridgepoint’s £281m offer for independent health and social care provider Care UK.

Advisers on the previous deal included Clifford Chance for Bridgepoint and Hammonds for Care UK.