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Verna Group, a Bolton-based infection control services provider to hospitals and care homes, has been bought by its management for the second time in less than three years.

The group has been acquired by its chief executive Karen Haslam and finance director Chris Attrill, who originally bought the company in 2005.

Haslam said this deal will take the group to the next stage of its development. “We have exciting plans for the business to expand our portfolio of infection control products and to grow our international sales.”

The financial terms of this latest buy-out have not been disclosed, but it was backed with debt and equity provided by Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance.

Following the completion of the deal, private equity firm LGV Capital has exited the business it has held shares in since backing a £60 million buy-out in 2005.

Bank of Scotland has taken a minority shareholding in the company with the buy-out team also holding a stake. The bank’s investment was arranged at its Manchester office by director Catherine Houghton, who was supported by James Argyle and Tavia Sparks.

Houghton said this deal follows two years of re-structuring at the company. “This transaction now provides Karen and her team with the stability to focus on the international healthcare markets and some new product development opportunities in the UK.”

Verna was supported throughout the transaction by accountant PricewaterhouseCoopers, while Bank of Scotland was advised by Grant Thornton and law firm DLA Piper.

This is the latest investment in the northwest for the bank’s Integrated Finance team, following its £255 million deal with Wigan-based Ainscough Crane Hire, and the £41 million buy-out of Macclesfield flooring accessories and carpets business Gradus Group. It has also backed the £35 million buy-out of valve maker Bifold Fluidpower.

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